304S Cab - Engine ID & Alternator

[mrraffles]

Hello All. Just found you, so my first post . . .

I have a 304S Cabriolet (N reg), and could do with a little help identifying the engine type (so I know what I've got) and in finding an alternator.

The engine no. is X7675038X (G) - can anyone pin that down to an engine type (XLS, XL5 etc.?). I'm not convinced the car has it's original engine.

It has a Lucas 242 alternator fitted, which is dead, and I'd love to know what my options are for fitting a new alternator. Does it have to be the exact same model or would others be suitable?

Any help greatly appreciated, and I'll try to help other 304 owners when I can too.

[miketippett]

The number between the "X"s on the engine is the chassis number of the car, so if that number matches the chassis number on your black and silver ID plate under the bonnet, well it is the original.

You should have a two barrel carby on a 304 S, if not, it's likely a transplant.

[mrraffles]

Thanks Mike, that's interesting. The plate shows no.3657594, so I guess that means the engine has been replaced at some stage. Will check the carbs . . .

[Dave45]

The letter(s) after the number on the block denotes the engine type. Looked in my book and can't find the engine code 'G'. The nearest I found was 'GA' which is an XK5 engine 1127cc with 8.8:1 compression ratio.

As Mike pointed out, if the numbers on the engine block and the plate on the offside inner wing don't match, then it's had an engine swap at some point. Or a chassis number swap!!

[mrraffles]

Hi again. This if definitely a twin carb, so do you think that means I have a 304S engine but from another car? Would love to be able to properly identify the engine, that would help me to find an alternator too.