4 Muscle Car Engines to Verify Before You Buy

Welcome to Muscle Car Fan. I have turned wrenches on these engines for years, and I have watched buyers pay big money for the wrong motor. Here are four muscle car engines and drivetrains, and […]

Welcome to Muscle Car Fan. I have turned wrenches on these engines for years, and I have watched buyers pay big money for the wrong motor. Here are four muscle car engines and drivetrains, and exactly how to verify each one before you buy. Let us get under the hood.

#4: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

First up, the 1970 Chevelle SS 454. The big question is which 454 you are really looking at. The LS5 was rated at 360 horsepower, while the LS6 was a solid lifter, high compression engine with a claimed 450.

#3: 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

Second is the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda with the 426 Hemi. On a Chrysler car, the fifth character of the VIN is the engine code, and a real Hemi car carries the Hemi code there. Then find the fender tag, which lists the original engine and transmission.

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#2: 1969 Ford Torino Cobra

Third is the 1969 Ford Torino Cobra and its 428 Cobra Jet. On a Ford, the fifth character of the VIN is the engine code, and the Cobra Jet carries its own letter, with a different one for the Ram Air version. Check it against the door data plate, which also lists the axle ratio and transmission codes.

#1: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

Fourth is the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 with the W-30 package, a legendary Oldsmobile performance option, and one that is easy to fake. W-30 cars had special equipment, including unique air induction and a more aggressive camshaft, so the first thing to do is look at what is actually bolted on. Then verify the engine code and the casting numbers on the block, and compare the date code to the build date.

That is the engine and drivetrain checklist for four muscle cars. The rule is the same every time: check the numbers, match them to the paperwork, then listen to the car run. If the story and the stamps disagree, believe the stamps. Tell me in the comments which engine you are hunting for, and follow Muscle Car Fan for more buyer guides.

Image credits: Chevrolet Chevelle 454 SS Convertible Annual Fathers Day Car Show Hyannis.jpg by EgorovaSvetlana (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 2014 Rolling Sculpture Car Show 46 (1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454).jpg by Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 (1970) (55220899684).jpg by Charles from Port Chester, New York (CC0) · 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 (15748244098) (cropped).jpg by Sicnag (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 (15748244098).jpg by Sicnag (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda (31006971013).jpg by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Plymouth Hemi “Cuda (31700436961).jpg by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Ecurie Chrysler France.jpg by Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0) · 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Chrysler France Racing.JPG by Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda (23034473904).jpg by Thomas’s Pics (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Ford Torino Cobra, front left, 08-10-2024.jpg by MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Torino Cobra 06-29-2019.jpg by SsmIntrigue (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 1970 Ford Torino Cobra 7.0L V8.jpg by Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Ford Torino Cobra Jet at Greenfield Village – June 2015.jpg by priceman 141 (CC BY 2.0) · 1971 Ford Torino GT Cobra (43217267982).jpg by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0) · Leimershof 7. US-Car-Treffen 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2-20230909-RM-153459.jpg by Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 1970 Oldsmobile 442 (29304725930).jpg by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30.jpg by Sicnag (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 (22668359833).jpg by Sicnag (CC BY 2.0) · 1970 Oldsmobile 442 (29801698185).jpg by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0). Facts from Wikipedia and manufacturer history.