Here....the stamped number from the front passenger side of the block, under the head.....

V0401HV


I checked a couple sites to find out what motor I have in my Trans Am....Says it's from a 1965 Corvette.

I didn't find the casting number....would that help me find more information about it?

The motor is ill and needs work....but how do I replace parts when I don't know anything about it?

I can't just go to the counter at the auto parts store and say I need a (random part) for a 1985 Pontiac Trans Am.....


How do I know what starter to buy? Oil pump? Crankshaft...Camshaft?

 

I have run into this before.

"HV" was also used in the late 1960s for a big car (Impala) 350 block. Check the casting date (usually on the top surface next to the bellhousing area just below where the distributor would be) on the block to confirm your date. Example: L-19-8 would be 12-19-68 or December 19, 1968 when the block was cast and used a few weeks later in a 1969 big car. H-3-7 would be 8-3-67 or August 3, 1967 and the block would have been used a few weeks later in a 1968 big car.

A 1965 Corvette block would have something like: J-9-4 or possibly like A-23-5 (October 9, 1964 or January 23, 1965). Remember, production model years began late August/early Sept of each year and blocks cast usually laid around a couple weeks before assembly. Thus a mid-September casting date may not have been put in a car until October/November.

About 27 years ago, I used the "HV" code to allow my circle track car to be able to use the Corvette (some SS Malibus and Novas also used similar aluminum intake and Holley carb) heads and aluminum intake and Holley carb. The rules required the block to match the intake, heads, etc and I showed the "HV" code, a Chiltons repair manual showing that code and how it was listed for a Corvette. My block came out of a 1968 Impala and I have personally seen this code in at least three other cases.

The casting date of the block will tell you the truth.

jms

 

Indeed. Thanks for the info!

I found this casting number...but couldn't see the date code....

3956618


Using that, and my HV suffix....looks like the engine is a 350ci...made in 1969.


Have I got it right now?

Should I order engine parts for my 85 Trans Am...as if it's a 69 Camaro?

 

Small block Chevys were "virtually" unchanged from 1955 through the end of its run in the early 2000s, with some notable exceptions.

The original '55 Chevy engine had no block-mounted oil filter. The 1958 blocks were the first to use side-mount motor mounts. Early 1960s blocks (I think through '62 or '63) had bellhousing mount starters. The 1967 blocks were the last to use the cannister oil filter. The 1968 blocks went to large main journals. The 400 (and its differences) came around in 1970. The oil dipstick changed side in 1980 (I think). The block went to one-piece seal in 1986 and 1987. Roller cam capable blocks followed soon after.

In your case, order engine parts that fit the block for a 1969 Impala. This includes oil pump, pickup (pickup will need to fit pan if you use an aftermarket pan), pistons, rods, rings, cam bearings, cam,etc.

Parts such as headers will need to be for the Firebird year.

Parts for heads will depend on what heads you use.

There are several threads on this site that help detail the differences but the best advice I can give you is to find a parts person that "knows" parts.

jms

 

I have the strange feeling that fixing this car won't be easy.....

It's already some frankenstein creation....AND it has a mystery illness.

Awesome.



Thanks for the info!

 

That casting number shows up on mortec as this

3956618....302.....69....4...Z-28 Camaro
3956618....327...68-69...2
3956618....350.....69....2 or 4

 

Thanks for all teh help....

Got my answer.

It's a 1969 350ci....originally used for an Impala.


Not the 327 Vette engine I thought it was....but still worth fixing I guess.

 

Ultimately I have to ask, What are your problems with the car?

 

Not sure....previous owner said he thinks crankshaft bearing....it has quite a knock. Sounds like it's coming from above the heads though....more on the passenger side. Previous owner also said it completely loses oil pressure....but I ran it and drove it...and it slowly dropped to around 10-15 after like 20 minutes....then I shut it off.


Supposedly bored 060 over...flat top pistons...hydraulic cam/lifters....intake...carb. I don't know for sure what parts are on it.

 

If it is Rod knock, obviously the pistons could slap the head, causing quite the noise. Usually rocker knock is a tick tick tick. not a Bang Bang bang. (getting use of my onomatopoeia words today)

You would have to drop the oil pan to look and see what is going on. I am not sure if you can do it in-car or not. There is not much room under there to pull the oil pan. It sounds like something quite serious...

John

 

Ok so.....I just tried to order a crank kit for a "1969 Impala"....and the casting numbers the guy pulled up on his computer were all different than mine.

WTF mate?!

And I got new belts for it....and one already looks too small.

And why when I look up my casting number and Engine ID....does it show several different engines? I'm pretty sure it's a 1969 350....but....is it? And what crank should I get? How do I know what other parts to buy when I am at Advance or Autozone??


ugh.....