i bought an 87 camaro last fall. vin number says it came with the 5.0 but the owner said the motor had been blown and replaced with a 5.7. .....whats the easiest way tell what i've actually got???

 

the most definitive way is to look for the 5.0 or 5.7 cast on the block just behind the drivers side head. It's very hard to see, if even possible while installed in the car. Other methods that may help are to check the part #'s on the heads and ECM. For the heads, remove the valvecovers to see the casting numbers. You could probably check the part #s on the injectors also. It's possible that the heads, computer or injectors were mixed and matched with the block, but if everything looks to be 350 parts, the block likely is also. I'm sure others here could help you further.

 

the only real way to know is to either pull the motor down(apart), or check the casting numbers on the block. If the motor has been changed, who knows what heads/injectors/etc the engine builder used.