Casting Number / Engine Size

I recently bought a motor and I was told it was either a 283 or a 327 out of approximately a 1965 Vette. I've researched all the numbers I've found on the motor and all I can tell is that it might be a 327 or a 350 from the late 60's or early 70's. The main things I want to know is what year it is, what vehicle it was originally made for and what size it is (283, 327 or a 350)? ... Mainly the size though. Below I'm listing all of the number and places I've found them and see if anyone can decipher them for me. I wrote down the numbers as closely to what the appeared to be as possible.

I believe these letters/numbers were on the front of the block.
C4F415069
V03061JC

I think these letters/numbers were on the top of the manifold
340234 R
B274

These letters/numbers are on the back of the block
GM21
3970010

These letters/numbers are on the exhaust manifold
GM336710

These letters/numbers are on the block inside of where the bell housing mounts to the block.
010
020

509
H18

PS78
2 7/64

Comments for Casting Number / Engine Size

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 12, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Block numbers
by: Corvette-web-central

Ok it a little confusing but lets see what we can figure out.

V03061JC 8 place engine code used on 70-82 engines
V= Flint Stamped this way 1967-1979
03= March
06= 6th Day of March
1JC= Has no designation this way for Corvette the 1 should be "C". If you figure out what this 1 or "I" (if its a mistake) is, it will tell you what model car it was installed in first.

The casting code H18
H=August
18=1978

The Exhaust manifold is not a Corvette casting number.

The intake is most likely not Corvette also no matching casting number. But the date code is B274= Feb 2 1974.

Most likely the Size of the engine is a 350. This is because the Block # 3970010 was used on Corvettes 1968-1979 in a 350ci displacement only. If we are correct in decoding everything and it truly is a 1978 it could be a 2 bolt main or a 4 bolt main. It would of had a HP rating of 185 for the 2 bolt and 220 for the 4 bolt. Just for your reference there is no one code or number that gives the exact information. It requires detective work and you did well with getting all the numbers together. They all have to work together to get you in the right date codes! Good job! It would be fun to see if you can find the cylinder head, water pump, and distributor codes if you they the are still original. This would also maybe be beneficial for your search!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to C2 Corvette Ask!.





















Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

About Us: Corvette Web Central | Owner Bio: Chris Trautman

Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally. 

"This website is a passion of mine, just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris.  He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow. 

He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.

Note: Some links on this page are part of our affiliate program and provide a small portion of proceeds to fund the administrative costs and to fund more product reviews.  We are not paid to perform the reviews or are we given any products for free.  

You might like these