jaben2

iTrader: (1)

Hi,
I purchased this 1985 trans am, recently. It has what I was told was a 350 crate engine. He didn't have much other info. Is there a way to find out what engine this is? I am uploading some pics. Where would the block Id numbers be?
Please help?

Edit sorry I can't upload the pics they are too large. I will work on trying to upload them.
Not sure if the links will work. I can email pics if anyone is willing to try and help?

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

Alright that is a lot better picture than I found. The only thing I found so far said passenger side of engine but didn't describe very well. Thanks for the pics I will try and see if I can find it now.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Depending on the engine type , block casting number could be on either side at rear.
Also look at block above starter motor.Common to have the last 3 numbers of the block casting number there

If engine is a GM crate engine then the pad at front most likely will have a CE coded stamped.
If the engine was originally installed in a vehicle it will have numbers and letters similar to that in pic above

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

Well after pulling the alternator off so I could see better behind there all surfaces are clean I used a wire brush to help clean some area, but no numbers at all. Would it matter if it is a pontiac engine? I don't know for sure what it is. I was also thinking about trying to pull part numbers off of the mallory ignition, or edelbrock intake. I am just lost at this point.

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

I plan in the long run pulling the engine and putting either a LT1, or LS1. I just want to know what I have currently, I do have this engine running, it needs a tuneup. The car has been sitting for around 20 years.

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

I was able to pull the part number off of the mallory. It is a Mallory comp 9000 unilite Part number 9148201 That number supposedly corresponds to a chevy V8 1955-1993 doesn't help that much ecxept for the fact the pontiac v8 has a different number

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

Ok on the underneath of the engine on the block I found stamped on both sides, with 379 S I can't find anything on that number though. I also found towards the front of the engine on the passenger side on the underside of the engine a single number 5

AlkyIROC

Based on your pictures, you do NOT have a Pontiac engine however you do have angled plug heads.

Since you don't have any numbers stamped on the pad behind the alternator, the block has probably been decked. You're going to have to get the casting numbers off the bellhousing at the back of the engine. Depending on the year of the block, you may also find a 5.0L or 5.7L cast into the block.

While you're at it, remove a valve cover to check out the valve train and get a head casting number. From the sounds of it, you have nothing close to a production engine so you might as well accept what the seller has already told you. The only way to know what's exactly in the engine now is to strip it down for inspection. I highly doubt it's a 305 but could easily be a bored out 350.

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I figured as much. I will probably pull the heads next. I was told it was a gm 350 crate engine. I was just trying to get a idea of what it would be performance wise. Both spots behind the alternator were clean with no stamping. The only numbers found so far were underneath the 379 S, and the single stamped number 5. The reason I am trying to get some more info is for changing some parts out. The ignition was put in very badly, a lot of exposed wires, and a cracked ceramic block resistor thing. I want to go back to a traditional factory style ignition. Thanks for all the help.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Maybe 14016379
........................................
14016379 77-79 350 2 & 4-Bolt
14016379 - 350 - 77-79 Pass-Chevelle, Camaro, Nova,Monte Carlo, Lt truck

AlkyIROC

SBC parts are very generic. You don't really have to know exactly what it is to order any parts.

I can see the dipstick is on the driver's side and it has perimeter bolt valve covers. It probably has a 2 piece rear main seal. That tells me it's an older casting, probably from the 70's.