I bought an 88 trans am GTA about 2 months ago. But since then i have been short on money and haven't been able to do anything to it. But now that tax returns have just hit, I have the extra $$ to do a little something. But i have a little problem. When i bought the car the dealer said that it came w/ a 305 tpi origionally, but the previous owner swapped it out w/ a 350 tpi. I work at a shop and ran it on the computer and according to the vin.. it did come stock w/ a 305... but i don't want to go buy any parts until i know for sure if it is a 305 or a 350.. I don't know of any way to tell the difference by looking at it short of running the block number. does anybody know an easier way to tell.. and if not, then does anybody know a website i can use to run the block # ?write back or e-mail at nickgen3@aol.com or IM at nickgen3

 

if it's a newer engine, it will have either 5.7 or 5.0 embossed on the rear near the oil pressure sender on the drivers side. not too easy to see in the car though.


http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm

 

Check for the suffix code that is on the flat pad on the passenger side of the block, on the deck just forward of where the head meets the block.

Essentially if looking at the front of the car, water pump as center of engine, the suffix code is at 10-11 o'clock. Casting number will work, but if the engine was installed complete, it will tell you original application if from another vehicle and not a crate motor, etc.