The Chevrolet 350 has several casting numbers. They will help you determine what engine is in your car. They also help you decide if it is the engine that was originally installed in your vehicle. Knowing the numbers, and what they represent. will help with buying parts, and knowing details about the motor.
The first Chevrolet 350 was introduced in 1967. The Chevrolet Camaro was the first car that came with the 350 under the hood. The casting numbers have been in the same location for many years, and offer valuable insight to the engine. The 350 is one of the most popular engines produced.
On the Chevrolet 350 engine block, the casting numbers are located on the driver's side of the engine. Look toward the back of the engine at the bell housing flange. You may have to clean a little bit of dirt or grease away to see it. It can be hard to view the numbers so you may need to use a mirror, or snap a picture if possible.
To read the casting numbers on the cylinder heads, you must remove some bolts. On the cylinder heads, the numbers are located under the tappet covers, also known as the valve covers, in between the valve springs. Unbolt the covers and lift them off. Wipe away the oil and you will see two sets of numbers. One will be the casting code of the cylinder heads, and the second will be the date code.
The casting numbers on the engine block provide information about the motor. Casting numbers tell whether the engine has two-bolt or four-bolt main bearing caps, and identify the composite material of the block. For example, a "397001020" is a four-bolt main 350 with high nickle iron content.
The casting numbers on the cylinder heads identify whether the heads are factory-specified, the size of the valves, the size of the combustion chamber, and the year of vehicle. The date code is just as titled--the date on which the heads were completed.
