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Ok, I've got a '79 I'm doing a restoration on and finally got to where I can see the engine stamping. It is not matching to my car as the VIN is different. I know some work has been done to the motor, but really don't know what as I could not really test the car when I purchased as the steering and brakes were shot. I will be rebuilding the motor eventually just not yet as it is a running car. From what I can find, I believe this is a 1978 Corvette block which would make it a 350 versus the 307 which is another option I found for the CHH suffix. Can anyone tell me if this is correct or if they know more based on these markings. Also, if this is a 350 block, is there any way to tell if it is 383 stroker other than taking it apart and measuring the internals. It has an Edelbrock Streetmaster Intake and a Holly Double Pump Carb (I believe it is the 750). Thanks for any help on this.
CHH is not a 78 corvette code. Because of the squarish pad it was made after late 1977 so the other CHH you looked at was for a 1973 so it is not that. Only match I found would be:
So even though the VIN on it starts with 18S I thought that would be a 78 and the S I saw would mean it was either a Corvette or Impala. Can't find where I saw that though.
Casting number on the block could help too. As far as it being a 383 vs. 350, Without knowing for sure what the bore is and having a number on the crank, no help. You could look and see if it's externally balanced, but that won't really tell you for sure either. External balance could tell you it could be a 383 or a 400. And you're right back to cracking it open to see for sure.
...the S I saw would mean it was either a Corvette or Impala. Can't find where I saw that though...
In addition to Corvette, the Chevrolet facility at St. Louis also assembled Impalas and various pickups and vans. At one time in it's history, St. Louis was the single largest GM assembly plant in the US.
Engine ID Help
