this might sound kind of dumb, but is there anyway i could tell if my 1983 z28 has a 305 or a 350 in it, its suppose to have a 305 in it, like is there different starter sizes or anything. thanks

 

Check the portion of the VIN that is stamped on the block. Or just check the casting numbers on the back of the motor.

 

the 8th digit of your VIN code will tell you if its a 305TPI(will have letter F) or a 350TPI(will have number 8), but since i see you have a carb then your letter will be an H and you have a 305, no camaros came w/ a 4bbl carb and a 350 stock. and there is a difference between starter sizes because of different flex plates. and even still you may have to shim it to make it engage perfectly.

 

An 83 could only have has a 305 from the factory. The 350 wasn't available until 1986 and only came with TPI.

That doesn't mean it couldn't have been replaced by a 350 at some point though. Check the casting numbers to be sure.

Checking the casting numbers or disassembling and measuring the bore are the only way to distinguish a 305 from a 350. There are absolutely no other ways to tell with certainty.

 

ok ill look at the numbers ima switch distributors anyways,im putting an mallary ignition distributor and high energy coil

 

sounds awesome, let us know what you got under the hood.

 

Um, that would be 1987

 

Yeah, 87... silly fingers.

 

ok the i was told that the 350's didnt come stock with a carberator so the engine has to be a 305, but if its original is unkown, the 8th letter on my VIN is the letter h which does mean carberator but ive got the number on the pad behind the altenator the number is 11191C

 

The casting numbers on the block behind the drivers side head are more useful.

 

'86 is correct, if you're talking calendar year.

'87 if talking model year.

Except a few 350s were delivered in California in the '86 model year. https://www.thirdgen.org/1986-chevy-camaro

 

Whether or not any of those 86 350s still exist will probably continue to be debated for years to come.

I'm inclined to believe they're all parked in a secret warehouse, right next to the steel-bodied 83 Corvettes with the carburetors that got 200 mpg burning water.