Hey folks,

I picked up an 87 Firebird. The vin say Formula 305, but a few things are making me wonder if maybe somebody swapped the engine.

Where should I check for identifiers? I know the VIN number is on the engine, but I have no idea where to look

Wouldn't it be nice to find a 350 lurking under there heh...

 

I suppose we can assume it's a V8.

The VIN/serial number are stamped on a pad on the block in front of the passenger side head. The pad is the same surface as the head gasket surface. It's under the alternator, and the easiest way to see it will probably be to remove the alternator. If the block has been "decked", the numbers are probably gone. If the block/engine is a factory replacement, there will only be a s/n, which won't be of any value determining the engine size.

The block casting number is located on the bellhousing casting behind the driver's side head. Of the two, I'd go for the casting # (even though it's a bear to see with the engine in the car).

Now, about your avitar...

 

thanks!


As for the Avatar, I'm a web developer by day, so it's kind of fitting in a way. I'd much rather have one of the guys from Office Space, but I didn't see them in the list

 

They are out there. I have seen a few people on other boards with them.

I would also check the head casting numbers as well to see what they are. If the engine was swapped it could be put together with a whole slew of parts.