Engine head casting? Original or replacement?

[lreppond]

While searching for the engine number on my late model US version 280SL (manufactured 11/70), I noticed the engine head casting number was 130 016 32 01 followed by 280SE/A.  I reviewed the head casting chart at the site but I’m somewhat confused?   Is the head on my car original or a later replacement?   The 280SE/A is throwing me off?   My family has owned this car since new but the data cards are long gone and I never heard anything about the engine ever being replaced etc. 

[Shvegel]

That is the correct casting for your late 1970 280.  Same as my late 1970 280.   Engine serial number should be 130-983-(10 manual trans or 12 Automatic) XXXXX.  130-980 would indicate a sedan engine.

[lreppond]

Got it!  So if I’m interpreting this correctly, all late models US cars required higher emissions standards and that’s why engine valve design and subsequently engine heads changed.  I’m assuming the /A is a reference to the USA market?   

[Shvegel]

I think all markets got the same casting.  Emissions were achieved by shutting off fuel on deceleration, Retarding timing(Reduced NOx emissions),  Electronic ignition, Camshaft profile and fuel map (Space cam) in the fuel injection pump.  They were able to throw a handful of band-aids at the problem without having to alter the base engine.

[MikeSimon]

While your head is most certainly correct and original, there is no rhyme or reason for some of the casting IDs and head numbers. My car is a 12/1970 (serial 22774) and has a head with a casting ID 280SEL/SL and a number 130 016 17 01. Nobody has been able to tell me what this is and I have not seen a reference to this ID anywhere. there is one other really strange thing with this head, but I am not going there...