I noticed this when you posted your photos the other day. The original engine would have been orange. I looked at your motor, it has ram horn exhaust, alternator on drivers side and oil filler tube in front all signs that it is a 327 engine but all things transferable to another motor. It also appears to be originally blue, like the GM corporate blue. Is it possible that the original engine was changed for a 1977 or later 305 or 350. I also notice what appears to be an idle stop solenoid on the carb, this is a device more commonly associated with the 1977 era engines. Just my thoughts.

If you get the casting numbers we can tell for sure. They are in two places, drivers rear above bellhousing and passenger front pad near front of valve cover. Hope this helps.

-- Edited by 73SC at 21:27, 2008-05-02

Thanks for the photos. I'm baffled now, valve covers look like original 327, choke is set up to the 327 so all I can assume is someone back in time went to alot of work stripping the valve covers and then painting them and the engine Pontiac blue. The casting will ID the engine as original or not. The front ID number is behind that red water hose, may need a tooth brush and some degreaser to see it. If it is a replacement engine it might well have been painted on a engine stand before installation.