Classic/Antique Car Repair: Car Engine Type, tenth digit, idea what kind

Question
We bought a 1981 Camaro and there are so many problems with it, a week after we bought it, the car was out of commission. In an attempt to fix some problems we are trying to determine what kind of engine we have and we got this off the engine block, do you have any idea what kind of engine it is or how we can find out?

10066036
m090?

4UP


Thank You so much
Shawna

Answer
Hi Shawna:
You will need the VIN number to determine the engine type. Here is how
to decipher the VIN...See 8th digit in you VIN and see possible engines below.

1981 Camaro Production: 52,004 V6, 74,135 V8, 126,139 total.
Dealer Introduction: 9/25/80
Vehicle Identification Example: 1GlAP87K6BN100001

First digit is Country of Origin: 1 = USA, 2 = Canada.
Second digit: G for General Motors.
Third digit is Division, 1 = Chevrolet.
Fourth digit is restraint system: A = non-passive, B = automatic belts, C = inflatable restraint.
Fifth digit is series: P = Sport Coupe, Z28 Coupe, S = Berlinetta
Sixth and Seventh digits are for body style: 87 = sport coupe.
Eighth digit is engine code: A = 231ci V6, H = 305ci V8, J = 267ci V8, K = 229ci V6, L = 350ci V8
Ninth digit is a check digit.
Tenth digit is model year: B = 1981
Eleventh digit is N for Norwood assembly, L for Van Nuys.
Last six digits increased one with each car built at each plant