Classic/Antique Car Repair: block casting numbers, gm car, casting numbers


Question
I have a 1980 camaro z28. I'm trying to figure out if the engine is original. I found a casting number of 3970010. I also found this number on the front passengers side v0217cub. I found this number on the inside of each valve cover on the head 333882.Can you tell by this info what size the engine is and if it is the right one for my car? Thanks

Answer
This engine was origionaly in a 1977 Vette or a B body GM car. If in the Vette it was rated at 165 horses with a 4 barrel carb. In the B body it was rated at 170 horses with a 4 barrel c arb. It is a 350 block and the casting number could indicate a build date of 1966 through 1979. In the Vette it was the L48 package.
Brad