Mystery Engine
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2025
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Mystery Engine
I recently inherited a 77 vette from my mentor, but at some point before he owned it someone swapped the engine for a 73 camaro engine. Based on the block casting number (3970014) I know it's a 5.7 350, but that's all I can figure out. Is there some way I can tell the specs/general info about it? Any help is appreciated, thanks!
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
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From: US-PNW
What stampings are on the long rectangular pad of the engine? (passenger, front of block, where the head mates with the block)
There should be a partial VIN and an engine factory stamp beginning with V(?), 4 numbers, 3 letters.
You can look up the 3-letter code in the Lime Book.
There should be a partial VIN and an engine factory stamp beginning with V(?), 4 numbers, 3 letters.
You can look up the 3-letter code in the Lime Book.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
On the right (passenger side) front of the block, just ahead of the right hand head, there is a machined pad that should have two sets of numbers and letters stamped into it. One set will be the VIN number for the car the engine came out of and the second set will be an engine assembly date and identifier code. This second number will start with either a "V" for Flint engine plant or "T" for the Tonawanda plant. Next there will be four numbers for the month and day the engine was assembled, and finally there will be two or three letter to identify the engine.
As an example, a pad stamped V0521CHB decodes as the following:
V - Flint engine plant
05 - May
21 - 21st day of the month
CHB - is the suffix code for a 73 307, 2bbl with a manual trans from a Camaro, Chevelle or Nova
If you post what's stamped on the pad here, one of use will be able to decode it for you.
Welcome to the Forum!
Oh heck, it looks like barkingrats beat me in with an answer.
As an example, a pad stamped V0521CHB decodes as the following:
V - Flint engine plant
05 - May
21 - 21st day of the month
CHB - is the suffix code for a 73 307, 2bbl with a manual trans from a Camaro, Chevelle or Nova
If you post what's stamped on the pad here, one of use will be able to decode it for you.
Welcome to the Forum!
Oh heck, it looks like barkingrats beat me in with an answer.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
Welcome to the Corvette Forum halloween77!
This is the place you want to be if you have any questions or issues with any C3 Corvette! The members here have decades of experience with Corvettes and sharing our experience with you for the asking.
Corvettes can be Addictive....
This is the place you want to be if you have any questions or issues with any C3 Corvette! The members here have decades of experience with Corvettes and sharing our experience with you for the asking.
Corvettes can be Addictive....
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 486
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
And this link will get you the factory horsepower rating....
https://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engin...-stampings.php
https://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engin...-stampings.php
