Small/Big-Block Chevy Engine Code Stamping Numbers

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.

Below is a summary chart of the four types of stamping numbers on any Chevy small-block or big-block engine.

GM/Chevy Small/Big-Block Engine Serial Number

What Is 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.

The serial number is 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.

The assembly plants include:

• F for Flint (1955-1966)
• H for Hydramatic
• K for St. Catherines, Ontario
• M for General Motors in Mexico
• T for Tonawanda
• S for Saginaw Service, and
• V for Flint (1967 and up).

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.

Bonus: SBC BBC V6 Chevy Engines Specs and Sizes [With Chart]

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.

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: Explained

What Is Block Casting Number?

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.

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.

GM Engine Serial Number Lookup

Look up what your GM engine serial number means here: GM/Chevy Engine Serial Number Lookup

What’s Next?

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.

Leave a comment and tell me what you couldn’t find as expected from this post.

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