original engine ?
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
original engine ?
I have a 73 (350 engine 51K) and the numbers on the block are 3970010 and the engine stamp numbers read V03014CLA. I don't see any #'s below the stamp # at all. Shouldn't there be another set of #'s below the stamp # to match my VIN # (1Z37J3S418122). How can I tell where this engine came from or if it is the original engine for the car?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
Yes, there should be a VIN stamp on the pad.
3970010 is the correct block casting number.
CLA is the suffix for an L48 automatic, do you have an auto?
0314 is March 14 engine assembly.
16,301 was the last car built in Feb 73.
19,253 was the last car built in March.
So yours was built probably 3rd week of March, so the 0314 is good.
I guess it's possible although I would think unlikely that STL forgot to stamp the pad or another possibilty is that the engine was rebuilt and decked and they only stamped the larger characters.
A pic of the pad would help.
3970010 is the correct block casting number.
CLA is the suffix for an L48 automatic, do you have an auto?
0314 is March 14 engine assembly.
16,301 was the last car built in Feb 73.
19,253 was the last car built in March.
So yours was built probably 3rd week of March, so the 0314 is good.
I guess it's possible although I would think unlikely that STL forgot to stamp the pad or another possibilty is that the engine was rebuilt and decked and they only stamped the larger characters.
A pic of the pad would help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
There should be two numbers stamped on the engine pad. You've found the engine number. VIN derivative should also be there (smaller characters than the engine number). Take another look.
