New to the forum and already got questions

[Lamden]

Hey guys I've been lurking here for a few months but just signed up. I picked up an awesome 64 shortbed a few months ago and am loving it.

Cosmetically it was in this great shape when I got it, I've just chipped away at all the little stuff that wasn't working, fixed up the interior,and got the motor tuned up and running right.

First the truck:

peterlamden, on Flickr

photo (1) by peterlamden, on Flickr

photo 2 by peterlamden, on Flickr

photo 1 by peterlamden, on Flickr

Now my question:
I've seen the countless threads about decoding engine numbers, however I cant find any engine numbers. I removed the alternator and was under the impression the numbers would be here:

photo 1 copy by peterlamden, on Flickr

But there's nothing stamped anywhere in the area.

Here's what I did find, a "JH" inscribed below the cylinder head, and an upside down "305" raised lettering on the side of the block, I've marked the positions in this pic:

photo 3 copy by peterlamden, on Flickr

Here's the whole motor:



I know it says 350 on the valve covers, but that doesn't mean a thing.

The guy I bought the truck from was a contractor who took the truck as partial payment, and he really didn't know much about it.

Looks like a wealth of knowledge on this site and I look forward to all your guys' input.

cheers

[1963c-10]

Welcome. Your in the right place to find the casting number (in front of the passenger side cylinder head). Its possible that the block was machined and the numbers removed.

The "JH" suffix is 1964 chevelle 283 195hp 2bbl w/3 speed manual trans

[Lamden]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Welcome. Your in the right place to find the casting number (in front of the passenger side cylinder head). Its possible that the block was machined and the numbers removed.

The "JH" suffix is 1964 chevelle 283 195hp 2bbl w/3 speed manual trans

So it's not even a 305?? That would explain why it's slow as sh*t.

Also I forgot to add, I found this plate on the drivers side of the block, right by the oil filter....is it a vin from the original car it was in?? I wasn't able to decode it

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/104520725@N06/10295371213/]photo 1 copy 2

[1963c-10]

That would be the vin code to the car it originally came in.

[65truckowner]

There is a number on the drivers side behind the head on the block. This should tell you what size the engine is

[Lamden]

Originally Posted by 65truckowner

There is a number on the drivers side behind the head on the block. This should tell you what size the engine is

Is this one visible while the motor's in the truck? I cant see it from the top

[66Submarine]

Is the dipstick on the right side of the block? (left if looking from the front)

[Lamden]

Originally Posted by 66Submarine

Is the dipstick on the right side of the block? (left if looking from the front)

Dipstick in on the passenger side

[66Submarine]

Late model block then. Changed to pass dipstick 1980 IIRC.

[66Submarine]

Oh, and

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

Since there are no numbers or a suffix code on the pad in front of the passenger side head, that means that the block was decked when it was rebuilt. That tag on the drivers side by the oil filter is not a factory tag and was likely put there by the rebuilder. At this point, all you can do is get the casting number that is on the bellhousing flange behind the drivers side head. It is often difficult to see with the engine in the truck. A mirror or a cell phone camera is your friend. You might also pull a valve cover and get the casting number and date code on the heads. That will help you know what engine you may have.

[poorboy]

Nice looking truck! Welcome to the forum!

[Softpatch]

the captain is right
here's a picture were you can find the casting number to decode what year and size of your block
.

[Lamden]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Welcome to the forum

Since there are no numbers or a suffix code on the pad in front of the passenger side head, that means that the block was decked when it was rebuilt. That tag on the drivers side by the oil filter is not a factory tag and was likely put there by the rebuilder. At this point, all you can do is get the casting number that is on the bellhousing flange behind the drivers side head. It is often difficult to see with the engine in the truck. A mirror or a cell phone camera is your friend. You might also pull a valve cover and get the casting number and date code on the heads. That will help you know what engine you may have.

Awesome thanks for the info, I'll try and get back there with a mirror today. Any clues as to where on the transmission I can find some numbers?