How to tell if the engine in a 1968 Buick is original or not?

Question:

I recently bought a restored 1968 Buick Electra. Printed on the air cleaner is the identification: 430-4V. What does it mean? How do I verify whether the engine is original? This car is loaded with options and is a dream to drive.

Answer:

The designation on the air cleaner indicates a 430-cubic-inch, four-barrel engine. To determine the originality, check the engine stampings. Buick engines were stamped with two alphanumeric sequences in 1968. One is the engine production code which identifies the assembly date, size, and original application of the engine. The other is the engine serial number. It will match the car’s VIN if the engine is original. The 430 engines have these codes stamped on the left bank cylinder head.