70 W31 Identification

[78MBA]

Don't know a lot about Oldsmobiles so any help would be appreciated. If a Lansing built 1970 Cutlass S has a matching numbers QX code engine, is that substantial enough proof that the car is a W31 or could other Cutlass models be ordered with the QX code engine without being a W31? I know paperwork is the best proof but is not always available.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Can you share some more info?

There are some Olds experts on here as well as on Classic Olsmobile website.

Ryan

[78MBA]

Not sure what other info can be given, the questions is pretty straightforward. Is the QX suffix exclusive to the W31 or was it shared with other Cutlass models? If you are looking for carb, head, pulley, etc. info I don't have it at this time.

[DW31S]

The "QX" code engine was/is specific to the W-31, however that "QX" code is/was on a piece of tape that should be affixed to the oil-fill spout. I wouldn't be "all in" because of a piece of tape that has been reproduced for quite some time. Without more info. and knowledge of the critical W-31 definitive parts it is virtually impossible to draw a 100% positive conclusion on the authenticity of a W-31.

[Stefano]

The W-31 engine code is not stamped on the engine. If it is then there is an issue. The only identifier stamped into an original W-31 engine ( unless it was an over the counter w-31) is the VIN dirivative. 3 -for Oldmobile division, M- for the lansing Michigan plant, where all W-machines we built. 0- for the model year and then six numbers which should match the last 6 digits of the VIN.

A regular Cutlass with its original engine would have the same info stamped into it. So no it will not identify a W-31 nor will it identify a 4 speed car.

Same holds true for a W-30 as well.

[PeteLeathersac]

Pics/identification of the balancer would be a better indicator than statements like matching #'s.
If a car you're seriously considering, best get pics and spend the time clarifying what's actually there especially of expensive and harder to replicate parts like balancer/carb/distributor etc.
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~ Pete

[78MBA]

Okay, good to know. I just assumed that it would have a QX stamped into the block identifying the 350/325 just as would be stamped into a Camaro or Chevelle. Unfortunately it doesn't sound like Oldsmobile did that to their cars. That makes everything a lot harder.

[78MBA]

Here is the ended listing. Car looks to be nice but missing a few things like the sport mirrors. Interested to hear opinions of the Olds experts.

ebay listing 70 W31

[Stefano]

Sport Mirrors are part of the W-Machine option. The sport mirrors used in 1970 were a one year only item. It's very odd that someone would change them out for regular Cutlass mirrors. Especially on a point/ show car. The car looks nice, but its not a 100% accurate and correct restoration for a W-31.

While it has some bolt on W31 parts, there in not enough info or facts presented in the advertisement to determine if this is a true Lansing Built W-31.

Agean Aqua was one of the 4 available Special Order Colors.

There is no prior owner history stated. No as found or prior to restoration pictures. Based on the listing it just popped out of thin air?

[Stefano]