Is this a 350?
The VIN checks to be the 170hp 305ci
The owner claims that the previous owner said it was a 350.. maybe a swap? I don't know much about 3rd gen as I know 4th so I turn to you guys for knowledge..

 

Can't tell without block ID numbers - all SBC's are the same dimensions externally. Get block ID numbers off driver side rear block (almost impossible to see when motor is in car).

But that looks like typical 305 TBI car stock. Unless you can prove it's a 350, it's a 305.

 

A picture like that could be any size SBC. Casting numbers or suffix numbers can narrow down what it could be.

 

They all look the same?
Ehh I though they were visually different.. like the LS1 and the 3.8k series. I'll ask for the numbers then post if I receive.

 

When referring to a SBC, it covers from 1955 to when the LS engines started coming out. The LS engine has very little if anything in common with what was considered a SBC engine.

The SBC went through a lot of changes over it's life and ended with the LT series.

 

Yep, SBC is SBC. Now, I think you are thinking of the induction system, which can be used on any SBC motor - for example that is a TBI - could be a 350 or 305 block, but it's a TBI car.

You can look at a TPI car, but just because it's TPI doesn't mean it's a 350, you still have to get casting numbers.

Visually, you can't tell the difference between a LS1 and a LS2, LS3, etc. - they all look the same on the outside. But one is a 5.7 litre, one is a 5.3 litre, one is a 6.0 litre, and a LS7 is a 7.0 litre. Anyone can put LSanything on a sticker.

3800? Can you tell the difference with it to a 3400? (I'm just asking, I have no clue about 6 cyl cars - in my world 6 cyl cars are FWD, and I don't mess with sidewinders at all!

But like I said, assume that is a 305. Unless the owner can show you block ID numbers proving it's a 350, it's not a 350. No one ever lied the other direction (stating a 350 was in fact a 305), so no worries - if he claims it's a 305, then it is.

 

Wait nvm. He said it's a 350, but the VIN shows 170hp 305.
I wouldnt mine a 205hp 305.. but 170? LOL

and very good points! but I wasn't comparing a SBC with an LT or LS engine.
I was just saying how the v6 counter part to an LT or LS motor are visually distinguishable.

ahh I doubt I'd be able to tell the difference between a 3.4 and 3.8.
I don't like six bangers either IF there is an 8cyl option. Like on Camaro's and Mustangs

not all six bangers are FWD.. mine is RWD (:

 

Just take a camera and try to snap some pics of the casting number. You may have to take the distributor off to gain full visual access. Possibly just the cap if you have a well enough zoom/pixels on your camera. Sometimes a mirror and camera works . I've had to check too many of these #'s. It's a pain with the motor still in the car

 

...but you were comparing the visual difference of a V6 to a V8 lol?
Get the casting numbers off the back driver's side of the block. Only real way to tell.