Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 71
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Alright, I just recently purchased a 1984 El Camino off of craigslist for $1000(Actually it was $600 down yesterday, and $200 for the next two weeks, but that is neither here nor there).
Anyhow, the guy says it has a 350 small block and a 350 turbo transmission out of an 86 Iroc Z. How can I check this to make sure? Is the only way to check the casting number on the block? If so, where do I look, and is it possible to see with the engine still in the car?
Is there any other way to tell, or help me guess?
Thanks for the help guys.
Anyhow, the guy says it has a 350 small block and a 350 turbo transmission out of an 86 Iroc Z. How can I check this to make sure? Is the only way to check the casting number on the block? If so, where do I look, and is it possible to see with the engine still in the car?
Is there any other way to tell, or help me guess?
Thanks for the help guys.
Last edited by SpecialK47150; Jan 11, 2011 at 02:49 PM.
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Help me identify my a supposedly swapped engine.
To start with, an 86 IROC never came with a 350, or a TH350.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 71
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my a supposedly swapped engine.
Great....(After some research, apparently 50 were made with a 350...this probably isn't one of those though, so we'll go with the 86 Iroc didn't have one, lol) This is all stuff the previous owner supposedly did. Here is the craigslist ad. Don't know how long it'll be up there for, the guy said he'd take it down, but yeah.
http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/2147201429.html
Anyhow, lets say the previous owner did a 350 swap on his camaro and then into the El Camino, how could I check to see if it is a 350?
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Ignore anything you read about 50 being made with the 350, they were never sold to the public.
Check the casting numbers on the block.
Check the casting numbers on the block.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 71
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
So, where do I look? Can I do this with the engine still in the car and hooked up?
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Sussex County, NJ
Car: 1994 Z28
Engine: 355 LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Help me identify my a supposedly swapped engine.
I laughed so hard I almost cried.
Uh, the casting number is on the back of the block below the driver's side head on the lip where the motor meets the bell housing of the trans. You can do it with the motor in the car but it's quiet difficult depending on the car.
Uh, the casting number is on the back of the block below the driver's side head on the lip where the motor meets the bell housing of the trans. You can do it with the motor in the car but it's quiet difficult depending on the car.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Wellsboro, PA
Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: L05 TBI
Transmission: T-56
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
I've got a similar problem with my engine... I keep buying parts i need that work with both a 305 and a 350, because I haven't been able to find casting numbers... where on earth *should* they be, and is there any other way to find out what engine this is? I found an AC Delco sticker with obsolete part numbers on it, and that's it...
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,402
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From: Sussex County, NJ
Car: 1994 Z28
Engine: 355 LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Knock sensor and injectors, if you have them. The engine will run with the "wrong" ones anyway.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Alright, after asking for some help on another forum, I have found out there are two places to check for the casting numbers.
1. Driver side of the engine, behind/beneath the heads, near where the transmission meets up with the engine.
2. Passenger side of the engine, towards the front, a machined pad near where the heads meet the block.
It was also suggested that I take a digital camera and a flashlight, and take a picture instead of trying to strain my neck to look back there.
As for checking to see if the transmission is actually a TH350, I should check the pan, and go off of this image.
Any of this sounding right?
1. Driver side of the engine, behind/beneath the heads, near where the transmission meets up with the engine.
2. Passenger side of the engine, towards the front, a machined pad near where the heads meet the block.
It was also suggested that I take a digital camera and a flashlight, and take a picture instead of trying to strain my neck to look back there.
As for checking to see if the transmission is actually a TH350, I should check the pan, and go off of this image.
Any of this sounding right?
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,366
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From: St.Louis, IL
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 377
Transmission: TH350; Circle D 4200 converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Not to sound like a troll, but is there a reason you didn't do this BEFORE you bought the vehicle? Also FWIW - that 350 and TH350 could very well be out of an IROC but as mentioned beforehand it would've obviously been a transplant because they weren't a widespread option for the car. If it were me though I would suspect he/she was lying just to make it sound like the ElCamino you bought has a good drivetrain in it.
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 71
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Not to sound like a troll, but is there a reason you didn't do this BEFORE you bought the vehicle? Also FWIW - that 350 and TH350 could very well be out of an IROC but as mentioned beforehand it would've obviously been a transplant because they weren't a widespread option for the car. If it were me though I would suspect he/she was lying just to make it sound like the ElCamino you bought has a good drivetrain in it.
Because 1. I didn't know better. 2. I needed a car, it was cheap and ran well, and wouldn't have changed my purchasing it.
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Well, it's not like you're alone. It's a very common question in these parts.
The last three digits of the casting number is often cast into the side of the block, and can be viewed from under the car. These 3 digits are sufficient to identify the block, which often identifies the engine. And, it's typically easier to see those numbers (they are much bigger, and you don't have to be Elastigirl to get to them).
The last three digits of the casting number is often cast into the side of the block, and can be viewed from under the car. These 3 digits are sufficient to identify the block, which often identifies the engine. And, it's typically easier to see those numbers (they are much bigger, and you don't have to be Elastigirl to get to them).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 71
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Well, it's not like you're alone. It's a very common question in these parts.
The last three digits of the casting number is often cast into the side of the block, and can be viewed from under the car. These 3 digits are sufficient to identify the block, which often identifies the engine. And, it's typically easier to see those numbers (they are much bigger, and you don't have to be Elastigirl to get to them).
The last three digits of the casting number is often cast into the side of the block, and can be viewed from under the car. These 3 digits are sufficient to identify the block, which often identifies the engine. And, it's typically easier to see those numbers (they are much bigger, and you don't have to be Elastigirl to get to them).
Thanks for the helpful answer.
Where on the block? Left or right side? Or does it differ with different motors?
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Both sides, IIRC, but usually easier to see on the right. It's only present on the 1 piece RMS blocks, the earlier ones won't have it.
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From: Macedon, near Rochester, NY.
Car: 85 TA (sold), 88 Corvette, 02 Monte
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Heres a two piece 350 from about 84 that has it on both sides. The other two blocks i have in my garage lack it. They're an 84 305 and 85 305. You can see right where it is in this picture. Also shows the full number location on the right side of the picture.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 71
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Thanks for the pics. That rear one looks to be the easiest to see while the motor is still in the car.
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From: Macedon, near Rochester, NY.
Car: 85 TA (sold), 88 Corvette, 02 Monte
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Well not really. the side of the block you just look as if you're changing your oil. The rear of the block is a bit hard to see because you need to stick your head under the back corner of the hood, windshield wiper motor stuff in the way, often theres wire looms laying over the numbers. Also need to stand on something usually. It's very hard for a thirdgen, hopefully the elcamino its a bit easier, more like the second gen i pulled the motor from it was no problem seeing.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 71
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Well not really. the side of the block you just look as if you're changing your oil. The rear of the block is a bit hard to see because you need to stick your head under the back corner of the hood, windshield wiper motor stuff in the way, often theres wire looms laying over the numbers. Also need to stand on something usually. It's very hard for a thirdgen, hopefully the elcamino its a bit easier, more like the second gen i pulled the motor from it was no problem seeing.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,366
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From: St.Louis, IL
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 377
Transmission: TH350; Circle D 4200 converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
I was implying based on what you've said, as I haven't run the production numbers.. 50 production units isn't widespread 
That's assuming that number is documented (which I have no idea in the slightest).
It's also possible to get a good idea if you can manage to see the head castings. That doesn't necessarily prove what engine it has, but it can generally give you a good indication. Wouldn't hurt to know what they are anyways just so you've got it down.
That's assuming that number is documented (which I have no idea in the slightest).It's also possible to get a good idea if you can manage to see the head castings. That doesn't necessarily prove what engine it has, but it can generally give you a good indication. Wouldn't hurt to know what they are anyways just so you've got it down.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: carrollton Virginia
Car: 1988 camaro
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700r
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
You can also look at the thread ,What year is my engine? I put up a post near the end about finding the made date. Bryan.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Car: 1987 camro rs
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
the pev. owner might have got the motor and trans out of the camro but the old owner of the camaro might have put it in there so its kinda hrard look at the numbers and bolt patterns is what i wood do but i hope uu get it figured out it u havent all ready
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From: New Albany, IN
Car: 1992 25th Anniv. RS T-Tops
Engine: 305 TBI - POS
Transmission: Stock Auto -?
Axle/Gears: stock - ?
Re: Help me identify my supposedly swapped engine.
Haven't gotten a look at the casting numbers, but it definitely isn't stock. Distributor has a vacuum can on it, the carb and what not isn't CC, so I know it isn't stock. Whoever did the swap was a moron though. Here is a C&P of a post over on a different board where I explain it.
Alright, got to tinkering more with the carb, looked at some online diagrams, etc. Going to set the idle lower tomorrow and see if that helps. Though the guy at the auto parts store, when I started to explain my problem, asked if it was an edlebrock carb. Said yeah, he asked if it was this model, showed me the box. Said I believed so. He said they were junk, that some suction deal was probably sticking, and that its a common issue. According to him, I'd be better off getting a Holley. If I buy a new carb, he'll install it and tune it and all for $40.
Noticed that the carb has an electric choke, but it isn't hooked up. There is a mess of wires off to the side, but none of them are hooked up, one that looks like it could go to the choke appears burnt up.
On other news, whoever did the engine swap was a retarded. There is no mechanical fuel pump, just an empty 4 bolt plate where it should be, and across from that on what I believe is the wheel well is a little rinky dink electric fuel pump.
Whoever did this just dropped an older motor in and didn't really hook any of the extra amenities up. It runs and drives, but thats it. Guess I'll be getting over that klutz thing pretty damn soon.
Noticed that the carb has an electric choke, but it isn't hooked up. There is a mess of wires off to the side, but none of them are hooked up, one that looks like it could go to the choke appears burnt up.
On other news, whoever did the engine swap was a retarded. There is no mechanical fuel pump, just an empty 4 bolt plate where it should be, and across from that on what I believe is the wheel well is a little rinky dink electric fuel pump.
Whoever did this just dropped an older motor in and didn't really hook any of the extra amenities up. It runs and drives, but thats it. Guess I'll be getting over that klutz thing pretty damn soon.
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