Toronado.org

I think I have located a 1968 W34 Toronado in a yard. After talking with the owner, the car was running when he got it several years ago. I asked him what he wanted for the engine (which only showed 41,500 miles) and he said, "$300." If this is a W34 car (it has the cutouts in the rear bumper,) is there anything else I should get before this car rots away? I will be returning with my camera to take pictures sometime later this week. I will look for the transmission tag, windshield washer bottle and cold air induction hardware.

Yes !! starting with photos of the whole car plus interior, then photos of the body plate, VIN as well as the transmission ID plate, check trans case for VIN, (see photo) pick up the washer bottle and all of the pieces related to the out side air (Keep in mind there is a air horn under the fender) see photo, also if still there the radiator as well, there is an all important thermal vacuum switch on the drivers side end (see photo) ... include in this all of the vacuum hoses associated to that switch.

More pictures.

More pictures.

Reference from above:
"Not sure if the cutout is factory or not".

It is! this is part and parcel of the W34 cold (fresh) air intake the hole is stamped out to receive the under fender duct shown in BW photo above description = 68-W34-OAI.jpg. Its design is to pick up the cooler outside air in front of the radiator rather than the use the warmer / hot turbulent engine compartment air. It was never designed/intended to be a ram air system. The automatic vacuum head light doors did as much or more in the way performance by providing better temperature management .... none the less it helped provide lots of go for a mere $49!

PS ... for the younger group that are unaware beginning in 68 the VIN plate was moved from the door jam to the dash and can be viewed through the front window as they are today.

What state is this W-34 located at?

GA.

UPDATE---
I returned to the yard today and had an hour or so to get a look at the block stamping. After removing the P/S bracket and scraping the gunk away, I discovered a blank pad. Since the transmission is obviously not original to a 1968 Toro, it would appear the engine was possibly replaced under warranty and not re-stamped by the dealership. What would the specs be on a replacement block compared to the original specs of the W34? What do you think a fair price for this engine based on the fact that it is not a W34 engine?

W-e-l-l yes ... Anything is possible, however any crude filling or grinding marks would be tip off to a problem the normal machining marks, rotary in nature done in three to four passes (I did have a photo but can't find it)

So beginning with warranty exchanged motor, personally have never heard of anybody ever experiencing an engine failure within the 12 month warranty period of the time. Which for me would be a catastrophic failure rendering the block unusable and almost up to and not excluding owner abuse but judas priest these things were and are tough as nails.

A short block is was available. * "(basic block [w/pistons only])", presumably mated to the bore "less heads,oil pump /pan, manifolds, fuel an electric parts" and would presume this to apply to the oil filler tube as well. There may be other with more incite to this, but exchange motors of time certainly not like today.

* 75 Olds parts book.
PS wow $1400.00! just for the basic block whew that's a boat for that time.

That said one of the first thing to look at is the engine oil filler tube there should around its circumference be an ID number beginning with a 8xxxxxx (this began in 68) signifying year and engine unit number. If it is blank or begin with any other digit well you can guess where this would be going it should also have a twist cap on the oil filler tube.

With the block vin stamping beginning in 68 the 65-67 were not so check the black casting number too as depending on what was going at the time ... as in ... buy the car swap the motor sell the car! Which is to me stupid and when match with to much testosterone well stand by ... and here's why, anybody with good motor experience along with a little help from his friends can take any viable motor and turn it in fun street runner or drag winner.

Toro motors have been pillaged for years to embellish someones "A" body ... 'there i said it' (and some of you know where that comes from).

Besides 45 years down the road who knows for sure just what the heck went on ?