Small/big-block Chevy Engine code stamping numbers include the engine serial number (ID code), engine VIN, block casting number, and block date code.
Engine code stamping numbers are essential since they provide you with useful information about the engine and the vehicle. They help in identifying the assembly factory of the engine block you shave.
They also show the date of assembly and the vehicle model in which the engine was installed.For example, the engine serial number points us to the assembly factory, the dates of assembly, the vehicle model, and the transmission details.
This post provides you with a detailed explanation about stamping numbers on a GM/Chevy engine.
Navigate the table of contents below to go to the part you’re looking for.
GM/Chevy Small/Big-Block Engine Serial Number

A Chevy engine serial number is a unique ESN (electronic serial number) used to identify every Chevy vehicle. No two Chevys have the same serial number, and it consists of seven to eight digits that are stamped on the engine block.
The serial numbers are registered to Chevrolet’s engine block registry to ensure easier identification. It is also stamped on a machined pad that is then put on the engine after a full assembly. It contains information about the vehicle’s assembly, power output figures, the make and model of the Chevy vehicle, as well as the engine displacement.
The engine serial number in big and small Chevy engines is denoted by seven digits, each symbolizing a specific detail.
Below is the meaning of each of the letters and numbers in the engine serial number:
- 1st letter = assembly factory
- 2nd and 3rd digits = month of the assembly
- 4th and 5th digits = day of the assembly
- Last 2 or 3 digits = Engine Suffix code
The first five digits are called the prefix and contain the details about the engine assembly factory, the month in which the assembly was made, and the specific day of the assembly.
The last two to three digits indicate the engine suffix code used to denote the vehicle model and the transmission details. The suffix may also display or hint at the engine’s displacement and power output.
For example, the engine serial number V1015CKX is decoded as:
- V– the production assembly factory in Flint.
- 10 – denotes the month of assembly, which is October.
- 15 – denotes the day of the assembly, which is the 15th.
- CKX – indicates the vehicle it belongs to, which is either a 1973 Camaro, 1972 Corvette, or 1976 Corvette, all with 350 cubic inch displacements, and power outputs between 145 hp and 200 hp.
Another example is the serial number T0525ED:
- T = Tonawanda
- 05 = May
- 25 = 25th
- ED = Chevelle, Manual Transmission
Look up what your GM engine serial number means here: GM/Chevy Engine Serial Number Lookup
Engine Serial Number Location

The engine serial number is located at the front passenger side of the block, right next to cylinder #2.
In other vehicles, you may find the serial number located on the flat block just above the timing cover (in some trucks or marine blocks.)
Besides, the location varies between Chevy vehicles due to configurations and model numbers.
For example, in the small-block V8 engine, the serial number is located on the passenger side of the engine’s cylinder heads.
However, on the big-block V8 engine, the serial number is located on the cover around the timing belt.
Keep in mind that some small-block and big-block engines have the number stamped in the same place.
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SBC/BBC Engine VIN: Explained
What Is Engine VIN?
The Chevy big/small-block engine VIN (vehicle identification number) is a combination of digits that indicate the type of vehicle the engine is installed in, the model year, and the assembly plant.
The engine VIN also contains six digits that are used to denote the last six digits of the vehicle’s VIN.
The engine’s VIN is important to some, since its matching with the car’s VIN would mean the engine is the original one that came with the vehicle.
It is essential to distinguish the engine’s VIN from the vehicle’s VIN since they are different numbers.
The engine VIN is derived from the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN and is used to identify the engine only.
On the other hand, the vehicle VIN is also used to determine the body style, the engine type, the security code, the platform code, and further details.
- 1st Number = GM Division
- 2nd Number = Production year.
- 3rd Letter = The assembly plant.
- Last 6 Digits = Equal the last six digits of the vehicle’s VIN
For example, the Chevy engine VIN 17N012345 means:
- 1 = Chevrolet
- 7 = 1967
- N = Norwood, Ohio
- 012345 = The last six digits of the vehicle’s VIN
Another example of the engine VIN is 13N100001 which means:
- 1 = Chevrolet
- 3 = 1973
- N = Norwood
- 100001 = the last six digits of the Chevy 1973 vehicle’s VIN.
The assembly plant information is denoted by the third letter, which can be a number in some vehicle models.
They mandated this format in 1972 after abolishing a longer form that used letters like NOR to show Norwood instead of the current N for Norwood.
Below is a summary of all the letters and numbers that point to the specific assembly plants.
A = Lakewood | L = Van Nuys | W = Willow Run | 4 = Scarborough |
A = Atlanta GA | |||
B = Baltimore | M = Lansing | X = Fairfax | 5 = Bowling Green |
C = Lansing (B) | N = Norwood | Y = Wilmington | 5 = London |
C = Southgate CA. | |||
D = Doraville GA | P = Pontiac (Pontiac) | Z = Fremont | 6 = Oklahoma City |
E = Linden | Q = Detriot | 1 = Wentzville | 7 = Lordstown |
F = Flint (Chevy) | R = Arlington | 1 = Oshawa #2 | 8 = Shreveport |
G = Framingham | S = St. Louis | 2 = Moraine (T&B) | 8 = Fujisawa (Japan) Luv |
H = Flint (Buick) | S = Ramos Arizpe | 2 = St. Therese | 9 = Detroit (Cadillac) |
J = Janesville | T = Tarrytown | 3 = Detroit (T&B) | 9 = Oshawa #1 |
K = Kansas City | U = Hamtramck | 3 = St. Eustache | 0 GM Truck Pontiac |
K - Kosai | U = Lordstown OH. | ||
K = Leeds | V= Pontiac (GMC) | 4 = Orion |
Engine VIN Location

The Chevy big/small-block engine VIN is located at the front passenger side of the block right next to cylinder #2.
You may also find it located on the flat block just above the timing cover (in some truck or marine blocks).
Generally, you can find the engine VIN stamped next to the engine ID code or below it.
Small/Big-Block Casting Number
What Is Block Casting Number?

Credit: chevyasylum.com
The small/big-block engine casting numbers are used to identify the engine block by denoting the casting number, the year of production, and the CID (cubic-inch displacement).
The casting number of the Chevy engine blocks shows various details of the engine block that include:
- The displacement
- The year of production
- 2 or 4 bolt main
- Vehicle application
For example, the Chevy engine casting number 14316379 means:
- CID: 350,
- Years: 68-88
Block Casting Number Location

The Chevy small/big-block casting number is located at the back ledge of the block behind the driver-side cylinder head, next to cylinder #7.
In some vehicles, the casting number is situated on the passenger side ledge, next to cylinder #8 (on some later production blocks)
Look up what you engine block’s casting number means here: Chevy Big/Small Block Casting Numbers Lookup
Small/Big-Block Date Code: Explained and Decoded
What Is Block Date Code?
Chevy small/big-block date codes are either alphanumeric or numeric.
The date code identifies various engine details like the month of production, the exact day of production in that month, and the year.
The Chevy engine date codes are denoted as follows:
- 1st digit = month;
- The next 1 or 2 digits = date
- The last number = year
An example of such a date code is the A72 which means:
- A = January
- 7 = 7th
- 2 = 1962, 1972, 1982, or 1992
Another example is the C106 which means:
- C = March
- 10 = 10th
- 7 = 1966, 1976, 1986, or 1996
One crucial piece of information to remember about the year is that more information is needed from the other numbers (serial and VIN). This is because numbers like “7” can mean different years like 67, 77, 87, or 97.
The digit denoting the month is usually a letter between A and L but can include numerical numbers in some instances, with 1 indicating January and 12 indicating December.
Letter | Month |
---|---|
A | January |
B | February |
C | March |
D | April |
E | May |
F | June |
G | July |
H | August |
I | September |
J | October |
K | November |
L | December |
Block Date Code Location

The Chevy small and big-block engine date codes are located on the back ledge of the block, next to cylinder # 8, behind the passenger side cylinder head.
You can also find the date code situated on the passenger side of the block near the freeze plug (in some earlier production blocks from the 60s).
Some other Chevy models will include the date code on the driver side ledge, especially on the recently manufactured blocks
Conclusion
The Small and Big-Block Chevy engine stamping numbers are used to identify various specs of the engine.
Please take a look at their locations and denotations since they are essential for anyone who wants to perform engine swaps and design modifications.
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8610010right front block
15001520801 ckl
8610010right front block
1500152080 ckl left rear of block i can not figure out or decipher this motor also on china wall there is to lines going vertical
I have two chevy big blocks.
I am going to list the codes letters and numbers.
#1-T09I3IN
C1U4339.
#2-R161410. T02I6LB
I would appreciate an identification or any information about these blocks.
Thanks
Robert Blemings.
I have a Chevy 350 5.7 Gen 1 casting #14088548 denotes 86-88 350. it is 4 bolt. On the flat on passenger side has 2 stamps. One is V1101UPB, The UPB is what I can’t figure out. The other stamp is TGF700192, I can’t find anything on that number.
The serial number and the partial VIN both say that the engine is from Flint. November 1st, 1986. The UPB is odd. I have no information on that suffix code. Maybe not the correct code?
Also, maybe the “T” is a “1”? 1 would denote chevrolet motor division.
The 700192 is the production run of the vehicle that engine resides in.
Sorry I couldn’t help more. Maybe with more info?
-Dave-
I have a 1961 Corvette Convertible. The engine has a block stamping #3731548, The Vin No. at front of block by engine head #TI220FC.
Vin of car# 10867S110358
The engine VIN I can’t find facts on, but the block stamping came back as a 1957 sb, 2 bolt main possibly a 265 or 283.
Any help here would be appreciated.
Its a 1957 passenger engine not a corvette
Made in Tonawanda. Month 12, Day 20, Year 1957, CID 283, Powerglide, BBLS 4. Here are the details- https://prnt.sc/YA2Qn6wuaVHk
Can you tell me what year this engine is
C5s181710
Clydeburge@gmail.com
Thanks
Can I have more information? A block casting number would help.
Lots of good info. My small block has a stamp of T07i9S. Does that meaning anything to you that will I’d the engine? Thanks
Rich
Morec1@aol.com
T0719S means
T = Tonawanda
07 = July
19 = 19th
S = details here https://prnt.sc/VT6SYAKd5mJ3
If you can provide more stamping numbers, I can tell more about it.
I have a 350 that is in my 64 Impala. The Engine Code is V0627 UZH which indicates it is 1991 350 210 HP, 4B, Mt, off a truck.
Underneath is stamped which the first digit or letter being a 1, L, or T followed by MF526670. Can someone tell me what info that is?
HAVE an engine number T1213HU, it is believed to have come out of a 69 Camaro Pace car. Can anyone help confirm.
Here is what I can tell from the engine serial number T1213HU:
T: Tonawanda (the assembly plant)
12: December
13: Day
HU: CID 350, 255hp, more details here- https://prnt.sc/5dJgQ4DLP0nj
I have a gm engine that block # 3858180 and vin T09I4HC could you identify this for me?
It’s a 327 engine with 2-boit main made in 1965, hp=275, intended to be used with Powerglide transmission.
You can lookup the casting number here-https://chevygeek.com/chevy-block-casting-numbers-full-list-lookup/
and the engine serial number here-https://chevygeek.com/gm-chevy-engine-serial-number-lookup/
I have a Mexican 350 5.7L 880 in a Jeep CJ7 and can’t get a look or photo of the block casting numbers. It does have “1M0523 5ZZ4” stamped on the front passenger side as well as “6463 188” and “MY0405 2” stamped on the rear driver’s side facing back. Does this help identify the block?
I’m sorry but the numbers are not familiar to me.
350 right front pad stamp V1120TJC, what is application of engine?
application of the engine is conv.cab meaning the engine was intended for use in a pickup truck with a conversion cab
I have a sbc motor that I can’t id… the pad #s are as follows: VC791FCU THE 2ED SET IS AS FOLLOWS: CFS188781 CAN YOU HELP ME ID THIS MOTOR PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
I have a serial number on the front right side ck3317905 have not found it in identifcation chart it is a bigblock what cubic inch and year Any help would be appreciated thank you .
Do you have any other stamping numbers on it?
i bought a 1992 Chevy Camaro that has an engine swap done on it So I’ve been trying to figure out where this engine that’s in it came from so when I order parts I can get the right ones and I got the casting number off of the engine that sits right in front of the passenger side head (1M04206G35) and I’ve tried a few websites designed to decode the casting numbers but this doesn’t seem to be on any of the sites or look like anything in your article do you have any better ideas of how to figure it out maybe the way it sits in the car i cant really see the codes that sit on the bellhousing?
I’m sorry that I cannot tell anything from your number. Can you find any other numbers?
Hello, I have a Chevrolet Block casting # 3970010 Date code is CEA129541. I am told that this is a 1970 engine, But ai can’t make head nor tail of this date code. Can You Please help Me? Thank You, Jeff
I don’t think CEA129541 is the date code. It looks strange for me. Can’t tell much from the block casting number. The details are here-https://prnt.sc/pY7t3MCpzUjR.
Do you have any other numbers?
Fifteen years ago I purchased a 1967 Chevelle SS with VIN 138**********. The title, firewall and door jam tags all match up. The previous owner listed it as a SS 396, then
said it’s a 402. The number stamped on the engine is: T0826CLB. I searched and found the engine is a 1972 402ci, 240 HP out of a Chevelle. Is the information I found correct for that engine code. I am selling the Chevelle and want to make sure prospective buyers know what they are getting. By the way, the motor is not stock, runs great. Thank you very much, Mike
I have a block cast # 3892657 AND A ID OF VO6O8YH I FOUND OUT IT IS 327 FROM FLINT MICHAGAN JUNE 8 AND MAYBE Y IS A CORVETTE MOTOR WHAT IS H ? can you help
V for Flint (1967 and up).
We cannot tell what H means but YH means a lot. It’s
Here is the details- https://prnt.sc/adbUpRHPYhyb
i have a small block cast number is 3970010 which tells me 350 ???? stamped number on pass side is CEB1290 4 (6 or a b) was under impression was 327 but has 4 bolt mains and cast numbers tell me 350 . any idea about stamped numbers and there are about same distance as two characters as i tried to show
Here is all I can find about it-https://prnt.sc/Xk8jJmq23Qz3. It may be a 302 or 350.
CEB12904… is not familiar to me. Not sure what it is.
Any other numbers on it?
I have a engine block that is bare and was wanting to find out as much as I can so I can get the correct parts for my build the casting number is 3970010 on the back of the engine and on the front is stamped 14Z457922 V415CMR any help will be greatly appreciated
3970010: https://prnt.sc/xKmmK-9Te1bM
14Z457922: 1=Chevrolet, 4=64, 74, 84, etc. in this case, based on the information the casting number provides (69-79), it’s 1974, Z=Fremont (assembly plant)
V415CMR is the engine serial number. V=Flint, 415 looks strange, there should be 4 digits here because it’s the manufacture month and day. I guess it’s April the 15th. CMR: https://prnt.sc/zrAzKBXezTer
So, here is the quick summary:
Make: Chevy
Manufactured Date: April 15, 1974
CID: 305
BBLS: 2
HP: 145
Body: A
Any questions are welcome
I have a Chevy engine that I’m looking to decode the stamped code is VO114TRK
If you can help me please
On my small block front passenger side on the flat surface is 51 145 ER in about that spacing. Nothing else that I can see….small block w/2 barrel carb. Thanks for any help…
Tony
I have a chey engine block the rear casting number is 3858180 information I can find it is 62-67 327 the stamp number on passenger side is ti2iohc I cannot find any information on this
I have a 402 big block from 1972 3999290 , the stamp I’m not sure what it is T0926XXW (Sept 26 1972) what does XXW mean?
Second stamp is CE387239 – the could be 6 or 5 or 3 – really difficult to see
Can you help me out with this
Good day
We in Switzerland don’t know what kind of engine that is?
are grateful for every tip..
GM 3896944
366 VI207GO
Thanks
is in a chevi c10 1966 3/4 tone
I just bought a 454 and by the block #14015445 it’s a 75 to 90 block and the other # is TO526AWL, can’t figure out what the AWL is?
Hi Bill AWL is just an engine designation for AllWheel/ All Wheel Drive Capacities.
Hope that helps, happy thanksgiving to you!
Thank you, thought it might have something to do like that but wasn’t sure, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family also!
I have 67 Camaro this is what is on the front CES 59048.
I recently purchased a sbc 265 cast # 3703524 indicates 1955 car /corvette on chart . front Id# 0i20241iT55F [ caps on i’s and not sure on T could be an i or 1,] any help will be appreciated.
I bought a Jeep CJ5 that had a chevy 350 put into it, so I am told. I have searched for the casting numbers and they are really difficult to read.
The engine ID number is K1028PCA. I know that that is was built in Ontario on Oct 28, but I cant find what the suffix PCA stands for.
It has a back casting number J137 on it which tells me the casting was Oct 13, and a year ending with 7.
The other stacked number on the back driver side looks like S 71 G on top and SGI below it. Any help would be appreciated.
I would be real happy if you could figure out stamping number on my chevy block of
K12 21 CKL. Thanks Fred
I have a 62 impala with what I was told was a 427 motor. Bit if I am decoding it correctly it is a 454. I would like some help verifying so I can order gaskets, water pump and other miscellaneous. Back or block is stamped. GM. T12 399289. P
Manifold is stamped GMT 39553872.
Any help is appreciated.
Hi Randy
T0823 IV and 18L101495 block casting number is 3916323
I understand it’s at 325 hp 396 Ci
Assembled Tonawanda 08 August 67.
Can you tell what vehicle it was originally fitted to?
It’s currently in my Camaro VIN 124378L340101 which claims to be an L34 SS 396.
I have a 68 Camaro SS with a 396cu engine. The engine block has the numbers on the front left side CE962748
If anyone is able to determine what they mean, it will be appreciated.
Thanks