i just bought an 1985 chevy 4x4 pickup 1/2 ton pickup with a 700r4 and it has a 1987 trans-am tpi motor in it and i was wondering how can i tell what engine it is i cant get to any of the block numbers because they are not accessable is there any way to tell for a fact what engine it is. I been reading that only 5.7l were only put in the trans-Am Gta with a 700r4. thanks

 

Hpitcher,

Welcome aboard!

Actually, the 350TPI could be had in a TA as well, but only in front of an automatic. Look at the casting numbers on the rear ledge of the block, just left of the distributor. There is also usually a date code in the same area. The number can be checked at www.mortec.com for specifications.

If it is a 1987 engine, it should be a roller cam and one-piece rear main seal. The only other way to determine if it is a 350 is to remove a head and measure a hole, since the external appearance an features are identical to a 305 TPI engine. You could check the casting numbers of the heads as well, but they are under the rocker covers between the stud bosses, and the heads could have been switched from a 350 to a 305 just as easily as the engine was switched into the truck.

There are some other telltale signs of a 350 versus a 305, but none are as reliable as the casting number.

Good luck.

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Later,
Vader
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"I'm'a do Things My Way - It's My way or the Highway."
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