chevygeek.com

Menu

How to Locate and Decode Chevy Engine Stamping Numbers

By

How to Locate and Decode Chevy Engine Code Stamping Numbers

Updated: 2024 | Author: Randy Worner | Category: Casting Numbers / VIN / Identification

If you’re restoring, identifying, or rebuilding a Small or Big Block Chevy (SBC/BBC) engine, understanding its engine stamp code is critical. These codes tell you when and where the engine was assembled, what model it was installed in, horsepower ratings, and more. 🔍

This guide helps you locate and decode:

  • ✅ The engine ID/stamp number
  • ✅ The vehicle VIN suffix (on engine)
  • ✅ The block casting number
  • ✅ The engine date code

Let’s dive into what these codes mean and how to find them on both Small Block and Big Block Chevy engines.

📚 Table of Contents

  1. Chevy Engine Serial ID Code
  2. Chevy Engine VIN on Block
  3. Block Casting Number Explained
  4. Engine Block Date Code (Stamped)
  5. Where Are These Numbers Located?
  6. Free Lookup Tools & Downloads

🔍 Chevy Engine Serial Number (ID Code)

The engine serial number (also called the ID code) is a unique identifier stamped on every Chevrolet engine. This 7-8 digit code reveals crucial details about where and when your engine was built.

📍 Where to Find It:

Located on the front passenger side of the block, next to cylinder #2. Some truck/marine blocks may have it stamped above the timing cover.

How to Decode Engine Serial Numbers

Position Meaning Examples
1st Letter/Number Assembly Plant V = Flint, T = Tonawanda
2nd-3rd Digits Month of Assembly 01-12 (January-December)
4th-5th Digits Day of Assembly 01-31
Last 2-3 Letters Engine Suffix Code CKX, ED, HE, etc.

Assembly Plant Codes

  • T = Tonawanda, NY
  • V = Flint, MI
  • K = GM of Canada

🔎 Example Decoding

Serial Number: V1015CKX

  • V = Flint Assembly Plant
  • 10 = October
  • 15 = 15th day
  • CKX = 350ci/L48 engine (1973-76)

Serial Number: T0525ED

  • T = Tonawanda Plant
  • 05 = May
  • 25 = 25th day
  • ED = Chevelle with Manual Transmission

🔧 Pro Tip: The suffix code (last letters) is your key to identifying the engine’s original application, displacement, and transmission type. Always cross-reference with factory documentation as some codes were used across multiple years.

🚘 Chevy Engine VIN Decoding on the Block

Beyond the engine serial number, Chevy also stamped a partial Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the engine block. This VIN derivative links the engine to the specific vehicle it was originally installed in, which is crucial for verifying matching numbers in classic restorations.

📍 Where to Find It:

Stamped near the engine ID code, typically on the front passenger side of the block next to cylinder #2. Sometimes found on the block’s bellhousing flange at the rear.

Understanding the Engine VIN Code

The engine VIN is usually a 9-character code that provides information about:

  • Division (Make)
  • Model Year
  • Assembly Plant
  • Vehicle’s Sequential Production Number

Engine VIN Format:

Digit Positions and Meanings:

Position Description Example
1st Character GM Division 1 = Chevrolet
2nd Character Model Year Code 9 = 1969, 0 = 1970, etc.
3rd Character Assembly Plant Code N = Norwood, L = Los Angeles
Last 6 Characters Vehicle’s Sequential Production Number 123456

🌟 Example Decoding

Engine VIN: 19N500100

  • 1 = Chevrolet Division
  • 9 = 1969 Model Year
  • N = Norwood Assembly Plant
  • 500100 = Vehicle Serial Number

Engine VIN: 18L100001

  • 1 = Chevrolet Division
  • 8 = 1968 Model Year
  • L = Los Angeles Assembly Plant
  • 100001 = Vehicle Serial Number

Assembly Plant Codes:

  • A = Atlanta, GA
  • B = Baltimore, MD
  • F = Flint, MI
  • L = Los Angeles, CA (Van Nuys)
  • N = Norwood, OH
  • S = St. Louis, MO
  • T = Tarrytown, NY

🔧 Pro Tip: Matching the engine’s partial VIN to your vehicle’s VIN is essential for confirming a numbers-matching classic. This can significantly increase the vehicle’s value and authenticity.

🔄 Changes Over the Years

Keep in mind that the format and location of the engine VIN stamping can vary depending on the year and model:

  • 🗓️ Pre-1960s: Many engines did not have VIN stamps.
  • 🗓️ 1960s-1970s: Introduction of partial VINs due to federal regulations.
  • 🗓️ Post-1980: VINs became standardized to 17 characters, but the engine stamp remained a partial derivative.

🔩 Chevy Small/Big-Block Engine Casting Numbers

The casting number on a Chevy engine block is one of the most important identifiers for determining what you’re working with. It reveals the engine displacement (CID), year of production, and often whether the block has 2- or 4-bolt mains.

📍 Where to Find It:

Located at the rear of the block near the bellhousing flange, just above the oil filter or behind the driver’s side cylinder head.
Some later models may be stamped on the passenger-side ledge.

🧰 What the Casting Number Tells You

  • CID (Cubic Inch Displacement) – 305, 327, 350, 396, 454, etc.
  • Production Years – Range the block was used
  • 2-Bolt vs. 4-Bolt – Optional on some blocks
  • Application – Truck, Passenger Car, Corvette, Marine, etc.

💡 Example: 3970010 Casting Number

Casting Number Engine Year(s) Displacement Main Caps
3970010 Small Block V8 1969–1979 350 CID 2 or 4 Bolt
14010207 Big Block V8 1986–1990 454 CID 4 Bolt
3932386 Big Block V8 1968–1969 427 CID 2 Bolt

You can look up your engine’s casting number in our full Chevy Block Casting Number Lookup List.

⛓️ Additional Block Info

Casting # Years CID Main Caps Notes
14088548 1986–1988 350 4 Bolt Common GM Goodwrench replacement block
3858180 1964–1967 327 2 Bolt Used in Corvettes and full-size cars
3999290 1972–1978 402 / 454 2 or 4 Bolt Big Block, frequently found in trucks and Chevelles

🔧 Pro Tip: Blocks with casting number 3970010 are one of the most versatile and sought-after SBCs – look for 4-bolt mains and factory roller cam bosses if you’re building performance!

📆 Chevy Engine Block Date Codes

The date code on a Chevy engine indicates when the engine was produced. This is crucial for verifying the authenticity of classic engines and understanding the context of engine modifications over the years.

📍 Where to Find It:

Look for the date code on the back ledge of the block, typically next to cylinder #8, or behind the driver-side cylinder head. Some earlier blocks may have it stamped on the passenger side, near freeze plugs.

🧩 Decoding Date Codes

Date codes can be either alphanumeric (e.g., A72) or purely numeric. They reveal:

  • Month of production
  • Day of production
  • Last digit of the production year (in some cases, the year can be ambiguous and needs further context)

Date Code Format:

Position Meaning Examples
1st Character Month A = January, B = February, C = March, etc. (up to L for December)
Next 1-2 Digits Day 01-31
Last Digit Year 1 = 1961, 2 = 1962, …, or could indicate 1971, 1981, etc. (requires context)

🔎 Example Date Codes

Date Code: A72

  • A = January
  • 7 = 7th day
  • 2 = 1972 (or 1962, 1982, depending on context)

Date Code: C106

  • C = March
  • 10 = 10th day
  • 6 = 1966 (or 1976, 1986, depending on context)

🔒 Important Notes

Some date codes can be tricky, especially for years that share the same last digit. Always cross-reference with casting and serial numbers to clarify the year of the block:

  • 🔄 Year context: For example, “7” could refer to 1967, 1977, 1987, etc. Depending on the engine’s casting number and serial number, you can confirm which decade it belongs to.

🔧 Pro Tip: Always double-check with other numbers when assessing ambiguous years. And if you’re in doubt, leverage our Casting Number Lookup Tool for additional verification!

📘 Final Recap: How to Identify a Chevy Engine Block

Whether you’re restoring a muscle car, verifying a swap, or just want to uncover the origins of your Chevy engine, knowing how to read the engine ID code, engine VIN, block casting number, and date code is essential. Let’s review what each number tells you:

Identifier Location What It Reveals
Engine ID Code Front passenger side of block Plant, assembly date, suffix (application/engine type)
Engine VIN Near engine ID/around bellhousing flange Vehicle it was originally installed in (partial VIN)
Casting Number Rear of engine block near bellhousing flange CID, production range, 2-bolt/4-bolt main, engine family
Date Code Driver side rear block ledge or near oil filter Month, day, and year of production

🚦 Putting It All Together

Successfully identifying a Chevy engine typically involves comparing at least two or three of these key identifiers.

  1. Start with the casting number to determine base engine family and displacement.
  2. Use the date code to narrow down the production year.
  3. The engine suffix code confirms application-specific details.
  4. Finally, the partial engine VIN can confirm if it’s a number-matching original motor for your classic ride.

💡 Did You Know? Original “numbers-matching” engines can significantly boost a car’s resale value. If you’re restoring a classic Camaro, Chevelle, or Corvette, this can mean thousands of dollars in increased value.

🛠️ Helpful Pages and Tools

🙌 Share What You’ve Found

Uncovered something unique on your block? Discovered a rare casting? We want to see it! Submit your find to our Engine ID Submissions page and help fellow gearheads identify and decode their own builds.

🏁 Join the Chevy Geek Garage!

Have questions or want to show off your build? Head over to the Chevy Geek Forums and connect with thousands of passionate Chevy owners sharing tips, stories, and horsepower!

Thanks for using the Chevy Engine ID Guide. Keep wrenching and keep it Chevy!

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. Chevy Engine Serial Number Lookup
  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?

Related Posts

50 thoughts on “How to Locate and Decode Chevy Engine Stamping Numbers”

  2. brian edward kyer

    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

    Reply
    1. Robert Blemings

      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.

      Reply
    2. Wayne Petry

      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.

      Reply
      1. David Thomson

        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-

        Reply
  3. Harry Longton

    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.

    Reply
  6. Juan Jose Gonzalez

    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?

    Reply
    1. admin

      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/

      Reply
  9. Heath

    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?

    Reply
      1. Michael Adams jr.

        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.

        Reply
  11. Craig Sines

    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 .

    Reply
  12. Noah Matthews

    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?

    Reply
  13. Jeff Henry

    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

    Reply
    1. Randy Worner

      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?

      Reply
      1. Mike Winchester

        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

        Reply
  14. Brett Smith

    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

    Reply
  15. brian jeffries

    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

    Reply
    1. Randy Worner

      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?

      Reply
  16. calvin reid

    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

    Reply
    1. Randy Worner

      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

      Reply
  17. Vincent

    I have a Chevy engine that I’m looking to decode the stamped code is VO114TRK
    If you can help me please

    Reply
  18. Tony Corradi

    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

    Reply
  19. Larry

    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

    Reply
  20. George D Rodriguez

    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

    Reply
  21. matthias eggimann

    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

    Reply
  22. Bill Holland

    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?

    Reply
  23. Bill Holland

    Thank you, thought it might have something to do like that but wasn’t sure, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family also!

    Reply
  25. David

    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.

    Reply
  26. Bob

    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.

    Reply
  28. Shawn Morrissey

    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.

    Reply
  29. Jon Misiuda

    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.

    Reply
  30. Stephen

    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

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy