how to tell them appart? 322 VS 346

[Joeys1937]

okay guys.. I am stumped, I have three v8 cadillac engines and one of them is supposed to be a 322  but i can't tell them apart. the only difference is the design on the heads. and all three of them have different style. would you guys have any pictures to tell them apart. thanks in advance!

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

The serial numbers and unit numbers would tell.  If stock, 322 had no harmonic balancer and flywheel is one solid piece, not two pieces put together as on the 346.

[Tom Boehm]

The serial number is on the slanted part of the block behind the left cylinder bank. The serial numbers are decoded on pages 72 and 73 of the 2019 CLC membership directory. The serial number is a 7 to 9 digit number parallel to the dashboard. The unit engine number has letters in it. ignore that.

[Steve Passmore]

If you have the engine number on a flat casting above the water pump then its a post 1942 346 engine.

[harvey b]

On my 37 engine there is a flat machined spot on the top of the cylinder head,it has the 346 numbers stamped in to it?,Propably not much help,but thats one way,if the heads havent been changed?  Harvey

[Bob Schuman]

In addition to the "346" stamped into a rib on the cylinder head there is usually another number such as 625, 670, or 725 indicating the compression ratio when used on a 346 engine. I believe some years of late  LaSalles had 322 stamped on the heads, along with another number denoting the compression ratio. At this late date I would not rely on any such numbers on the heads, as any amount of mixing and matching of parts may have occurred in the past.

[DaveZ]

Your best bet is to find the serial number. 1940 to 37 is 7 digits and on back off block. They, when referenced, will tell you the year and Cad or LaS. 36 and 37 are different animals and there are some major differences between those two alone even. 38 to 40 are relatively the same.  36 does't have side engine mounts is the easiest for that year so then your left with 37 and up. As stated don't go by the heads. They could have been swapped out.
Best of luck.

[Joeys1937]

Thank you guys for all of the info! I was out of town for 13 days, and now i finally got back into town. Tomorrow i will be looking for the numbers stamped on the heads. and look for serial numbers on all three engines. I am soo excited!! now on to my next question,... Where do you get the rebuild kits for the fuel pump and carb?  i will get pictures of the carb and fuel pump that is on it.

[Joeys1937]

okay guys I finally figured it out!!! I a soo stoked! thank you all for the info! now i have another dilemma... need to find some one to rebuild the 322, or install the 346 in the Lasalle, what would be the better option for a 1938 Lasalle opera coupe?

[harvey b]

Myself i would use the 346,they are physically the same on the outside,should have a little more HP then a 322? Fuel mileage wont be much difference,if you have enough parts to install it i would, The bellhousings are different on some of them too,37 is a one year only,because of the shaft that sticks out of the front of the tranny,others here can tell more about that . Good Luck    Harveyb

[harry s]

I would agree with Harvey. Only other consideration would be a pair of '38 heads with single horizontal rib to match the car.    Harry

[Bobby B]

Where do you get the rebuild kits for the fuel pump and carb?  i will get pictures of the carb and fuel pump that is on it.

Mike Gadeleto @ Cadillac Parts Limited in NJ, has some excellent Kits...Nice person to deal with.
                                                              Bobby

[DaveZ]

I agree with Harvey and Harry. You will have to use the 37 bell housing and use the oil fill from the 37.  The middle picture is 36 or 37 as it has no ribs. 36 had rounded edges on the heads as where 37 did not. 38 the ribs started. Water pump and Generator keep as a set because the pulleys were different sizes and it will drive you crazy getting a belt to fit. Make sure you use a Stromberg 346 carb too and not a Carter. In 37 LaSalle used both Carter and Stromberg. Also use the larger Cadillac clutch and flywheel on the 346. The air filter riser height is different too you will find so you will have to use a 346 one and mate it up.

[Joeys1937]

Mike Gadeleto @ Cadillac Parts Limited in NJ, has some excellent Kits...Nice person to deal with.
                                                              Bobby

Thank you Bobby! I just ordered all of the parts that I needed! He even had a rebuild kit for the water pump. I am one happy camper! and I got all three kits for one hell of a deal!