where/How to find engine I.D. - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

337 · 11-09-2002, 05:38 PM

Hi everyone,

I just bought an '86 Trans-am that was originally a 305 car. The car now has a 350 TPI. How can I find out more about the engine itself? such as it's year, and/or what model car it came out of? where would I look for a block ID?

If it helps any, I seem to remember seeing some TPI's with center valve cover bolts, which mine doesn't have.

I would greatly appreciate any help!

Mark A Shields · 11-09-2002, 05:49 PM

I hate to say it, but if you were told it's a 350, I'd bet it's still the 305.
Specially without checking the engine code first.
I believe it's on the back side of the drivers side head. Do a search you should find the answer.

AlkyIROC · 11-09-2002, 06:50 PM

The casting number is behind the driver side head. It will at least tell you if it's a 4" bore block or not. As for what the engine came out of, you need to get the suffix code. It's stamped onto a pad in front of the passenger side head. If the block has been decked then the suffix code will have been machined off.

337 · 11-09-2002, 09:12 PM

I just checked the back of the driver's head with a small mirror and a flashlight. I couldn't really see all that much except for a few casting lines and two very small vertical lines ? I'll check again tomorrow morning when It's light outside. What excactly am I looking for? and should it be facing upwards or towards the firewall?

Thanks again,

Lee

AlkyIROC · 11-09-2002, 10:02 PM

Leaning over the engine to read the casting numbers, they'll be upside down. They're designed to be read when standing behind the block.

The numbers are on the block, not on the head.

337 · 11-10-2002, 03:52 PM

Well, I finally found the what I believe to be the casting number behind the driver's rear head. It looks like Mark was right when he said it was probably still a 305. It was tight under there but I managed to make out GM 5.0l G.

At least I got a good price on the car.

Thanks again everyone.