Hey, I'm heading out to look at a Camaro tonight, it's a 5-speed Z-28 and the owner claims it's a 350. I know it didn't come that way originally, is there a quick and easy way to tell if it's a 350 or 305 without looking up casting numbers?

PS. I searched and came up dry, apparently "identification" is either too long or too common a word for the tgo search function. Google search only pointed to casting numbers.

 

Since the VIN number only means what engine was originally in the car, the only way you're going to know if it's a 350 or 305 block is by the casting number.

Depending on the year of the engine there also may be a 5.0L or 5.7L cast into the side of the block.

The last thing to check is the suffix code on a pad in front of the passenger side head.

Just looking at the engine will only tell you that it's a SBC and nothing about the size. Externally all SBC engines look the same except a 400 block which will have an externally balanced engine dampener or a 383 with a 400 crank.

GM never produced a 5 speed with a 350 so something has been changed. There were a lot of 305 Z28's with a 5 speed.

 

Yeah, I knew the 305 and 350 look identical and the 5-speed didn't come with the 350 originally. The part with the 5.0/5.7 cast is what I was after... what years was that done, and where specifically would it be located? Thanks

 

I think when they switched to a one piece rear main seal in 1986, the casting on the side of the block was added. It's right on the side of the block.