76 camaro car

Does anyone know what the suffix code VP or 9VP is . On the right front of the block in front of the head is the code M01189VP. I think the first part means the engine was assembled in Mexico on Jan. 18th but I can find nothing on the 9VP part. The engine is in a 82 corvette. I would appreciate any help.

Mike Ward

Assuming that this is a small block, most suffixes that start with a number (9VP) were from light/medium duty trucks. An engine stamp that starts with M would indeed mean Mexico. Probably a GM crate engine.

76 camaro car

Yes, It turns out that this is a Mexican crate engine. The block cast # is 10066036. From what I have been told these engines out of the crate are about 260 HP so I am happy with what I ended up with. I've been told a pair of vortec heads and intake and I will have a real screamer with over 400 HP.

fauxrs

i'm rather skeptical of that claim, 260 hp is about bottom of the barrel in crate engine output and i doubt very much that a simple head and intake swap is worth very nearly a 60% increase.

Block casting numbers are about the least informative number one can use to identify an engine because the block itself can be used across so many motors and builds. but you are on the right track M01189VP is a mexican made crate on jan 18 2009 I believe. I dont know the significance of the VP

If you can pull the head casting numbers you will have a better idea of what you have.

The universal 350 does use the block casting you mention which is a 2pc rear main seal block with 4 bolt mains Cylinder Heads- part # 14034808, casting #33417369. if this is the engine you have GM claims

350 Cubic inches 4.00" Bore, 3.47" stroke
8.5:1 compression ratio.
250 HP @4300 rpm
350 ft. lbs of torque @ 3600 rpm
( These Numbers obtained with a Quadrajet Carb,1 5/8" headers , and an Edelbrock Performer intake part # 2101)

Mike Ward

That 250HP is gross HP. Net is probably 175 or equivalent to a base engine from a mid-70's L48.

fauxrs