So I went to go look at an 86 T/A today, advertised as a 350. But the 8th digit of VIN said it was originally a 305. The guy who now owns it says he doesnt know for sure wether its a 305 or a 350. He called the previos owner who said the previous owner put in a 350, but thats going through too many people and mistakes happen. He didnt know what year it was or anything other than it was a 350. How can I tell which engine it is while it is still in the car? I drove it up on car ramps but I couldnt see any meaningful numbers after looking for 5 minutes. Any help is greatly appretiated.

 

stope21,

There should be a number on the BLOCK just in front of the Passenger Side Cylinder Head, Right behind the Alternator. It might be a little tough to find. You'll also may need to scrape away some grease or paint to see it clearly. Write down that number and dial up the following:
http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm
You should have no problem finding your number and determining what the block was when it started it's life at the GM Factory.

You should check the head casting numbers as well and post them when you get them. They can only be found by removing the valve covers and reading the number. CHECK THEM BOTH! They should be the same.

The other guys know a lot more about heads so one of them will have to help you figure out what you have there.

Hope that helps....

Sincerely,
Kurt

 

damn, I tried I looking back there to no success Any suggestions on how I can take a peak ? Thanks alot for the very nice diagrams.

 

get an inspection mirror, flashlight, and take a peak at the block by the bellhousing

 

so from under the car, I look up with the mirror? When I was looking for it today the belhousing was so close to the block that there was no way for me to look up and see anything.

 

the block's lip by the distributor.

 

so: from the top, I look down at the back of the block w/ a mirror closer to the drivers side, and I should be able to see it even w/ all the wires, etc?

 

What is circled is where you need to look. Check both sides, I believe there are numbers on the other side as well.

 

Ahh cool, even better pic . I can even see the numbers on it, i think this will work.

 

Don't forget, nobody said this was going to be easy.

It will, however, be worth it.