decode this motor
 

Can anyone decode this I've tried to Google how to but no luck really
It's a small block numbers on the back drivers side are 3970010 on the front passenger side v1029chh
18j164214

Re: decode this motor
 

The CHH suffix with that casting# denotes a '78 350 auto trans LM1 170hp 4bbl full size car engine VIN L. The V prefix is the plant, which is Flint engine plant. The 010 casting is what I like. You can build a hi-performance motor with better cam, heads, etc. For instance, a '70 Vette with 300hp 350 uses that same block

Re: decode this motor
 

K's right. Probably out of a smogged up impala or Caprice or the like, but has ability to be a damn good block.

Re: decode this motor
 

I also have tried to look up my engine. I haven't read the casting numbers on the back, but the front reads VO116HN. Does that mean anything or do you need the back numbers.....

I have looked in my LMC catalog and Googled the number, but I am not finding anything....

Re: decode this motor
 

The 18j164214 is related to the VIN of the original vehicle.
The 1 is the 1st digit of the vin, and means Chevrolet
The 8 is the 6th digit of the vin, and means 1978
the J is the 7th digit of the vin, and means Janesville assembly plant.
164214 is the 8th through 13th digits of the vin, and is the sequence number.

Thanks to bruceman1968 for the knowledge on this subject.

Re: decode this motor
 

Look here For HN.
You'll need the cast number to narrow it down.
http://www.nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-cod...s-suffix-5.php

And another good link,
http://www.mortec.com/

Re: decode this motor
 

So by that number with the suffix HN I can tell it is from a 69 "full size". Is that correct? Hmmmm....I wonder why someone would drop a 69 engine into a 72 truck!?!

Is there a way to see the casting numbers on the back of the motor without pulling the engine? I know it says it is hard with the engine in, but any tricks?

Re: decode this motor
 

I got a trick or two!!
Mirror. Use the wifes. Don't tell her!! LOL!!
Flashlight.
Angle the mirror back there.
Point the flashlight at the mirror.
Ta Da!!
Can't miss it.

Re: decode this motor
 

Stuff your phone down there and take a pic. Use the voice activation and hold still.

Re: decode this motor
 

Cuz SBC's are a dime a dozen and it's a no-brainer swap.

All the 350's in these trucks were pretty much the same animal. So I wouldn't get hung up on what year engine is in what year truck.

Unless you're going for a 10 point restoration... it's just a power plant to make the truck move.

Gary

Re: decode this motor
 

I love that... I going to re-use that quote somewhere.
For some reason that is a classic quote right there.

Re: decode this motor
 

Thanks for the input! It is supposed to be a rebuild with about 24K since rebuild. It is in a 72 Cheyenne Super. I post pics soon. I couldn't hang with old green. Needed too much welding and I cant do it!!!