This may sound like a silly question, but here it is anyways. I have a 305cu LG4 1985 Camaro. I have vortec heads, cyclone intake, and a borg Warner T5 tranny. I am thinking about buying a 350 to replace the 305. The problem is that the seller is not quite sure what 350 it is. All he knows is that it's from a Camaro, somewhere in the 70s or 80s. My first qestion is the following:
1)where can I find the ID number on the block????

and

2)assuming that the 350 block is from the early 70s, should I have any isues with fitment, such as bolt pattern for tranny, or anything else for that matter???
Thanks for the help!!!

 

All SBC's up till 1986 were the same. Engine ID number should be on the back of the motor under the drivers or passenger side head. Can't remember which one at the moment.

 

It's behind the driver's side head, probably 3970010 or something like that.

 

I found that Mortec.com has some really good info on identifying blocks and heads.

As for installing a different year SBC, it should bolt up no problem in place of what you had originally. My 89 originally came with a 305 tbi, which quickly got replaced with a carbed 400 out of a late 70s full-size truck.

if you're replacing parts, make sure you get the correct flywheel, as I believe the 1pc rear-seal engines may use something different than the 2-pc?

 

The stamped numbers on the pad in front of the passenger side can tell a lot more information but they're usually hard to read. If the block has ever been decked, the numbers will be gone.

Casting numbers only give you a rough idea on what the engine is. They can confirm if it's a 4" bore block or the smaller bore 305 block. If it's an 010 casting, that just means it's a 4" bore block and probably a 350. That casting was also used for 302 and 327 engines.

 

I looked at putting a 77 350 in my 83 Z and found some less obvious differences. The first was the dip stick on the drivers side on the 77. Sounds like nothing till U notice the manifolds (not headers) interfere with it. Decent headers and Y pipe cost money. The oil pans are not swappable, as I can tell, b/c of dipstick. The flywheel should be fine as both should be 2 piece RMS. Intake, carb, and mounting bolts for accessories should be fine.