Chevy small block Identification - Help me figure out what engine I have.?

(2011-04-22 14:15:29)

1. Eddie Says: I NEED HELP..... Where do you find the engine block code on a Chevy small block????? I looked it up online and I'm getting different places to look.... I looked at the stamp on the block pad located immediately forward of the passenger side cylinder head and this is what i got
(Two parts to the stamp): 18J231899 VO3I8HH
I have a 1968 Chevy Impala and it should have a 327 in it. I’m not 100% sure if it has the 327… all I know is that there’s a small block in it right now. The 327 came with 250hp or the 275hp and I wanted to know which I had.
I also need to know 100% if I do have the 327 because my carb is acting up and I’m just going to throw in an Edelbrock carb in its place.
Thank you for your time and help

2. SlightlyDusty Says: V8 – On both small- and big-block V8s, the engine ID codes are found on a machined pad on the front passenger side of the block just below the head. This pad is actually an extension of the block deck surface.But first, let's give you a little background on why the num engineinfo1.html bers are there. The date code and casting numbers are mainly for identification and quality-control purposes. Through the casting date, the day/night shift indicator and, on some components, the "clock" position, it's possible for Chevrolet to pinpoint within an hour or so when a specific component was cast. Casting numbers also identify specific "families" of components.

Engine Component Casting Numbers (the following information applies to V8 engines only):

Block – Both small- and big-block V8 block casting numbers are found on the bellhousing/transmission mounting flange at the rear of the block on the driver's side.

Once you get the right block number look it up here http://www.chevcarclubvic.org.au/technical/v8sb_chev_eng_casting_numbers.htm

Head – Small- and big-block V8 head casting numbers are found underneath the rocker cover, usually between rocker arm pedestals.

3. ronglaze Says: I agree with chevyraceman. He has good info.The only thing I can add is the 18J231899 is a partial vehicle identification number (VIN) that should match the vin on your title and if it doesn't your car doe not have the engine that it left the factory with. Also remember that blocks, heads and intakes can be changed from car to car and engine to engine. Trying to decypher engine codes can be rough. I have multiple books on engine codes and they don't all agree!

4. chevyraceman_383 Says: The casting number is on the ear driver side of block, behind the hea and on top of the flange where transmission bolts up too

The Prefix and suffix code is on the machined pad on front f the pass side of block, in front of head

Your VO3I8HH number is one of the codes your after.

V = flint, MI
03 = March
18 = 18th day.

HH is the engine suffix code. Recheck that to make 100% sure it's HH and not something like HN, HI, HF, HP, HR, etc as the letters can look real close to each other... Also check your casting # on rear top of block

HH coes back as 3 diff engines

1965 327, 365 HP, Vette

1966 327, 300 HP, Vette

1969 350, 300 HP, full size