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Chevy Engine Serial Number Lookup

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Chevy Engine Serial Number Lookup: Decode Small & Big Block Suffix Codes

By Randy Worner • Updated July 2024

Want to know exactly what Chevy engine you have — the displacement, model year, horsepower, and factory application? It all starts with a simple detail: the engine suffix code.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

  • How to locate your Chevy engine’s serial number
  • How to interpret suffix codes on Small Block and Big Block engines
  • FREE lookup tables to instantly decode your engine
  • Expert tips and answers to real reader questions

🛠️ Pro Tip: Want to decode your engine faster? Try our Chevy Engine Code Decoder Tool or download our FREE Suffix Code PDF Chart.

🔎 What Is a Chevy Engine Serial Number Suffix Code?

The GM engine serial number — stamped onto the engine block — ends with a 2-to-4 letter suffix code that tells you:

  • Engine size (C.I.D.)
  • Assembly plant
  • Transmission type
  • Horsepower
  • Vehicle model
  • Year of manufacture

For example, a suffix code of TKL could correspond to a 1978 350 CID V8 used in a Chevy C/K pickup.

🧭 Where Do I Find My Chevy Engine’s Serial Number?

Look at the machined pad on the front passenger side of the block, just below the cylinder head. You’ll see a combination like:

V1123TKY

This breaks down as:

  • V = Flint engine plant
  • 11 = Month (November)
  • 23 = Day
  • TKY = Suffix code (identifies engine specs)

Need visual help? See our full tutorial: How to Locate and Decode Chevy Engine Stamping Numbers

🔧 Small Block Chevy Engine Suffix Code Lookup

Step 1 – Locate your suffix code (2–4 letters)
Step 2 – Search it in the table below:

✳️ This database covers 283, 305, 327, 350, and 400 CID small blocks from 1950s–1990s

Suffix Code Year CID Transmission VIN HP Carburetor Application
3N 1978 305 Manual LG3 145 2BBL Firebird / School Bus
AAA 1976 350 Manual LF5 160 2BBL C-50 / C-60 Trucks
AAD 1975 350 Manual LF5 160 2BBL C-50 & C-60 Trucks
AAF 1976 350 Auto LF5 160 2BBL C-60

Need help identifying small block casting numbers?
👉 Check out our full guide: SBC Head Casting Numbers – Lookup & Charts

🔥 Big Block Chevy Engine Suffix Code Lookup Table

Looking for your 396, 427, 454, or even rare 502 big-block engine identity? Here’s your go-to decoder:

Code Year CID HP Application Notes
0FC 1990 502 380 Marine LX-2, 4-Bolt Inboard
0FH 1990 502 380 Marine 4-Bolt Inboard
0XA 1990 454 370 Marine L-19, In/Out
0XD 1990 454 310 Industrial L-19, 4-Bolt

Still stuck? Visit our Chevy Big Block Engine ID Guide.

📥 BONUS DOWNLOAD: PDF Engine Code Chart

👉 Download the Full Chevy Suffix Code Chart PDF — Great for mechanics, restorers, and VIN match checks.

🛣 Real Questions from ChevyGeeks Like You (FAQ)

🔧 “What does V1123TKY mean?”

  • V = Flint plant
  • 11/23 = November 23rd
  • TKY = 1978 or 1980, 350 CID, automatic transmission, LS9 engine

🆘 “I found code F0601GF — what is it?”

F = Flint
06/01 = June 1
GF = 1967 full-size car, 283 CID

Can’t decode your code? Share it in the comments or explore the Casting Numbers Lookup.

💸 Monetizing Your Engine Knowledge 💡

While decoding engines is fun, it can also save money and add value:

👉 Tools You Might Need

🧰 Recommended Products

  • Rebuild kits
  • Carburetors by engine generation
  • OEM-style valve covers

📚 Related Posts You’ll Love

💬 Got a Code You Can’t Find?

Leave a comment with your engine stamping or VIN, and one of our experts (or a fellow ChevyGeek) will help you decode it!

👋 About the Author

Randy Worner
Founder of Chevy Geek. ASE Gold Seal Certified with 45+ years in automotive diagnostics, teaching, and writing.

Want help identifying your engine? Contact Us Here or drop a comment below.

Author

  • Randy

    My name is Randy Worner and I am the founder of chevygeek.com. I have been working on cars and trucks for almost 45 years. For the last 36 years I have taught Automotive / Diesel Technology classes for UTI, Snap On Tools, Chrysler, Pepboys, Lone Star College, NAPA and TBC Corporation.

    I also own a technical writing company known as Supreme Technical Services. It is ASE Gold Seal certified and Blue Seal Certified Author of auto/truck repair information.

    View all posts

Related posts:

  1. How to Locate and Decode Chevy Engine Stamping Numbers
  2. SBC Head Casting Numbers: Lookup & Full List [FREE Download]
  3. Chevy Block Casting Numbers: Full List Lookup [Free Download]
  4. L99 vs. LS3 vs. LS7: Which Is The Best Engine For You?

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32 thoughts on “Chevy Engine Serial Number Lookup”

  1. Lance waddell

    Maybe you can help me can’t find any numbers pass front r c4J1274863. V1123TKY casting is 3970010 and date is ck 203 this could be anything from a 302 , 305 or 350 the cylinder measures 4.020 so I would say it’s a 350 .020 over was this a 69 Camaro? Thank you for your time

    Reply
  2. Kevin Kniest

    I have a 283 stamped F0202D & also 3756519 which I believe denotes a 58-62 28. I have yet to figure out the 6digit # on the right front. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance

    Reply
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  4. daniel

    trying to figure out what kind of motor I have the block vin that I could find was 81357948 I have no clue how to determine what size it is. its in a 1964 Buick skylark its a v8 don’t know if its big block or small block I have some papers that say its either 301 or a 400 cid I need help decoding thank

    Reply
    1. admin

      I think it means it’s a California emissions compliant engine. CA is California. In the 1970s, California implemented stricter emissions regulations than the federal government, so engines sold in California had to meet those stricter standards.
      It could help if you give more details/numbers on the block so I can have better idea about it.

      Reply
    1. admin

      It’s the Engine Serial Number.
      K=St Catherines, Ontario
      10=October
      03=3rd (of October)
      XKA=?? I’m not really sure about this.
      If you can provide more numbers I can help you get more details about the engine and the vehicles it was used in.

      Reply
  7. Shawn Burnes

    I have a gm motor vin 2CL536282 I’m trying to get specks on. Also marked with
    44GM 14010201.
    V0504CFR
    Any help would be appreciated

    Reply
  8. Jay M.

    Hi, I’ve got a 67 Camaro with T0307OF on the block, so I believe it’s but I can’t find OF on any suffix decoders. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you,

    Reply
  9. Dave

    I can’t find this engine # anywhere.. Can you please tell me what it is? I see that is Towanda may 14 but I dont know what the last digits/letters are: TO5140PY

    Reply
  11. Bryon Hancock

    Have a gm motor and can’t find any info on it only 2 numbers on it one is stamped in the block, and reads gl1e-4012492 the other is a plate affixed to the block and reads 6f9743408. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks in advance
    Bryon

    Reply
  13. Tom Kelly

    Hello, I need help with an engine. The workshop it was sold from in 2017 says its an Motor Chevy 350 Vortec 96-> VIN R/L31. I am provided with two sets of numbers. Hope one of them are relevant to answering my questions.
    1: 12530282
    2: 1M01247G01

    Q1: What year of production is this engine?
    Q2: Is it even possible for this to been produced in 2017. Or more likely to have been produced somewhere between 1996 and 2002?

    Thank you for any help you can provide:)

    Reply
  14. Peter Hill

    What Chevy engine has engine serial # V0627YTX and under that is the # 17052 0750? I think it’s a Camaro 350 but not really positive

    Reply
  17. William

    Just bought an engine I’m having trouble identifying. The casting number is 3849852. The stamped number is F06IOGF. The ‘6’ is awkward looking. The ‘0’ and the letter ‘O’ are not similar. The engine is on a stand in my garage so I can check it easily. I can send pictures if it helps.
    Thanks for any help.

    Reply
  18. clint

    Hello Randy, trying to identify the following code stamped in front of cylinder #2 on the front pad of motor in a 1963 chevy c30

    T1029 CMJ
    Tonawanda October 29, not sure what the CMJ is ?

    Reply
  19. Rodger Bailey

    I recently purchased small block but i know nothing about it the serial number in the front of the block is V0915TKL but it’s not coming up on your lookup. any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    2. David Thomson

      TKL 1978 350 conv.cab L LS9 165 4 C-20 to 3500
      TKL 1980 350 conv. cab, a/t L LS9 165 4 C-10 & 1500
      TKL 1978 400 conv.cab R LF4 – 4 K-10 & 1500

      Built in Flint Michigan on September 15th.

      All of this information is available on ChevyGeek.com
      Just follow the links, and read the related posts regarding serial number decoding.
      Thank you for visiting!

      Reply
  20. Fred

    An engine swap was made to a 1965 GMC from a V6 to a GM V8.
    The Id # stamped on the engine is FA 50966. Can you tell me what size motor it is and any other information you can get for me.
    Thank you.
    Fred

    Reply

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