Did 1970-1972 Chevy 402 Trucks have the VIN stamped in the block from factory?

[HeavyHauler]

I am trying to figure out if my friends 1971 Chevy truck has the original engine that it came with from the factory. For 1970-1972 Chevy truck 402 big blocks did GM stamp the VIN on the block?

If GM didnt stamp the VIN on the block for 1970-1972 trucks then how do you really know that you have the exact engine that it came with from the factory unless you are the original owner?

Another weird thing is that the truck has 400 badges on the fender but has 396 for the engine size on the SPID sticker. He claims it is original but it seems like it probably came with a small block 400.

[harpo231]

The only VIN numbers will be on the cab, frame, glove box door and build sheet.

[Steeveedee]

The stamped characters will only give you the application. That might span a couple of years.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by HeavyHauler

I am trying to figure out if my friends 1971 Chevy truck has the original engine that it came with from the factory. For 1970-1972 Chevy truck 402 big blocks did GM stamp the VIN on the block?

If GM didnt stamp the VIN on the block for 1970-1972 trucks then how do you really know that you have the exact engine that it came with from the factory unless you are the original owner?

Another weird thing is that the truck has 400 badges on the fender but has 396 for the engine size on the SPID sticker. He claims it is original but it seems like it probably came with a small block 400.

You don’t know...it’s just a guess. 400 badges indicate either a 396 or a 402, they do not designate a small block 400.

[68Gold/white]

68 and 69 had 396's. 70-72 had 402's.
No fender tags for the 396's, some 70-72's had "400" emblems...

That's what I know....

[HeavyHauler]

So anybody could have just tossed in any big block 402 engine and call it the original engine. I guess there is really no way of telling if its the original engine or not then.

Thanks guys!

[harpo231]

Originally Posted by HeavyHauler

So anybody could have just tossed in any big block 402 engine and call it the original engine. I guess there is really no way of telling if its the original engine or not then.

Thanks guys!

bingo !

[KevDiesel]

The suffix code stamped into the block deck identify the original type of vehicle the engine came from... Decode the block and you can tell if the engine matches your vehicle. Use the below website as a reference. There are books and many other websites available to research.

http://www.1968ss.com/bbcsuffix.asp

[HeavyHauler]

Originally Posted by KevDiesel

The suffix code stamped into the block deck identify the original type of vehicle the engine came from... Decode the block and you can tell if the engine matches your vehicle. Use the below website as a reference. There are books and many other websites available to research.

http://www.1968ss.com/bbcsuffix.asp

That would not prove anything except date code of the block itself and type of vehicle but nothing specific. Might as well get any bigblock at that point because it wouldnt be the original engine anyways. Thanks for the info though.

[bluek5]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

68 and 69 had 396's. 70-72 had 402's.
No fender tags for the 396's, some 70-72's had "400" emblems...

That's what I know....

Not sure about the no fende tags for the 396’s.

[uncle]

396 fender badge in 1969 only.

[uncle]

Pretty sure most truck 402’s prefix started with T and cars with C. One easy way to tell. That would only be good for 70-72.

[jocko]

Most of your questions are answered I believe.
Bottom line - a 71 big block truck would have a 400 badge under the marker light and 396 or 402 on the SPID. If 396 on the SPID, it’s probably early in the production year (but still likely a 402 under the hood). Look at the engine pad stamp and run the numbers to determine if it COULD be original to the truck - COULD does not mean IS. Anything beyond stating it is possibly the original engine is speculation unless it’s the original owner stating it. And I don’t often believe them either. Once you confirm it’s possible, you kinda have to just look at it and assess if it’s ever been removed to build confidence in an “it might be original” statement. Although anything could be swapped on or off, you can also date the carb and other parts to add to or detract from confidence level.

[HeavyHauler]

Originally Posted by jocko

Most of your questions are answered I believe.
Bottom line - a 71 big block truck would have a 400 badge under the marker light and 396 or 402 on the SPID. If 396 on the SPID, it’s probably early in the production year (but still likely a 402 under the hood). Look at the engine pad stamp and run the numbers to determine if it COULD be original to the truck - COULD does not mean IS. Anything beyond stating it is possibly the original engine is speculation unless it’s the original owner stating it. And I don’t often believe them either. Once you confirm it’s possible, you kinda have to just look at it and assess if it’s ever been removed to build confidence in an “it might be original” statement. Although anything could be swapped on or off, you can also date the carb and other parts to add to or detract from confidence level.

Yep I think you have summed it up very nicely. Thanks!

[crakarjax]

How rare are 402s anyway? The block in my chevelle is actually a '72 truck 402 block and I'm wondering if I should move it to my truck when LS swapping...

[HeavyHauler]

I have heard and read in numerous places that there are more 1969 Camaro Z28s in the United States now than GM ever produced. I see how that can happen now.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by HeavyHauler

I have heard and read in numerous places that there are more 1969 Camaro Z28s in the United States now than GM ever produced. I see how that can happen now.

Them and SS Chevelles. I worked for a couple of Chevrolet dealers off and on from '70 to '72. I saw maybe 6 SS Chevelles out of the 700 vehicles we sold in '70, for example.