What does this engine pad mean?

[Blk63vette]

Hello
I moved the alternator away took of a ton of dirt and grease to see this engine pad. I’m kinda confused what it means. Any ideas.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1667345227

[Blk63vette]

Does V stand for Flint Mich.

[jayoldschool]

That sure looks like early 80s GM "corporate blue" to me. What is the engine out of?

[cgrocen]

That is the code that identifies the motor. First digit is the plant. F=Flint, Michigan. Next two digits are the month, 02=February. Now things get interesting. The next two digits are supposed to be the day of the month, but in this case 99 does not make any sense. The last three digits are supposed to be the suffix code that identifies the motor. In this case, the last three digits are 800. From research done it appears that there are other motors out there with V0299800 stamped on the block. From another site, V0299800 is said to be a 1979 GM TargetMaster 350 GM service parts engine.

[geezer#99]

Two things to observe on that pad.
It’s size. There are three sizes. Smaller ones like that which is shown is the later blocks. Mid 70’s to late 80’s.
Also no vin number (last 6 digits) shown. All factory blocks had vin from 73 and up.
Likely that one is a target master or factory crate engine.
What’s the casting number on it?