How can I tell if my engine has been swapped for a 350 or if it still has a 305 in it?

 

Since the only difference is bore size, the only way you can tell the difference is from a casting number. 305 and 350 blocks will never share the same block casting.

 

I checked mine out just the other day. Looking at the engine from the front. On the left front by the bottom of the head there is a edge that sticks out and has some numbers on it. If some of the number match the last of your vin number it is the stock block. I had to claen the surface a little to see the stamped in numbers.

 

the block should say 5.7 or 5.0 liter on the top of the block towards the firewall..and yes another way to tell is the vin #

 

Look on the drivers side, behind the cylinder head on the rear flange that bolts to the trans. bellhousing, that is the number you need to correctly id the block. I am also thinking that the 5.0, or 5.7 numbers are only on the new style blocks, post '86 i believe, center bolt valve covers. Hope this will help ya.

 

Actually i am pretty sure they started the numbers on the block in 1980.

 

I have only seen the 5.0 / 5.7 numbers on the 1 pce seal blocks which came out in '86

The 3 letters stamped on the block pad at front will identify
the model ,engine size, trans and year engine originally came with

 

When i was in school for pre employment diesel tech i had to rebuild an 82 305, 2 piece rear main and it had 5.0 on the back drive side of the block behind the head. In fact there were two motors in class like that, donated by GM way back when. So i have seen a couple. Unless anyone has any actually proof otherwise i stand by my statement.

 

if you can only find a casting number or a suffix code here are two websites for that stuff


http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-ca...es.asp?group=1

http://mortec.com/