Partial VIN on Block

[stllookn]

I know my '68 (original block) only has the engine code stamped into the passenger side block pad and does not have the partial VIN stamped there. When did they start stamping the partial VIN and how much of it did they stamp? I am looking at a great deal on a 327 block and need to know if it is actually came from a later model truck.

Block Casting number 3914678 1965 - 327, 1968 - 302, 327, or 1969 - 350
Front Pad Stamp #1 VO111HM (V-Flint, 01-Jan, 11-11th day, HM...'65 327, '68-327, 302 or '69-350)
Front Pad Stamp #2 18J194659 (1-Chevrolet(?), 8-68(?), J-Janesville Plant(?), 194659-94,659th truck built in the plant...or was Janesville just an engine plant?

I need some help on this second code on the pad...I am guessing at some of those codes since I don't recall how much of the VIN was stamped on the engine pad.

[stllookn]

Found it...FINALLY!

VIN Code Format
The vin code format is stamped onto most engines. The format consists of divisional identification number, model year, assembly plant designation and vehicle serial or sequence number.
In 68-69 model cars, the serial (VIN) number of the car the engine was installed in is stamped next to, or under the engine code ID.
Starting in 1970, the serial number is stamped either above the oil filter, somewhere on the block pad (in front of the cylinder head), or on the transmission flange somewhere. Chevrolet issued technical service bulletins to indicate which engines were to recieve a vin stamp, so who knows what could have happend (or not happened).

VIN code format Example: 13N100001
(1 = Chevrolet, 3 = 1973, N = Norwood, 100001 = Production sequence of vehicle VIN)

So, I was correct and this is a '68 327 and will be a large journal motor but may not have come from a truck...I guess there is no way of telling.

[Huck]

Mike, from what I've been told, there is no such thing as a bad built 327 so I would suggest that it would meet your needs assuming it is worth investing in it (time, parts, etc.) Huck

[stllookn]

Warren, Thanks...I was worried about using this block instead of the original for the '68 Longhorn that I want to be "numbers matching". Even though the casting number is correct and the first stamped number...just the presence of the second number would be a tip-off that it was not the original block for a '68 truck. Maybe a '68 car...but not a truck. I do have a customer for this block though so will probably pick it up just the same. I just can't go wrong with newly machined and inspected block for less than the price of dinner for me and the wife...LOL!