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This article teaches you about the small and big-block Chevy Engine code-stamping numbers. The engine serial number (ID code), engine VIN, block casting number, and block date code are also included in this stamping number. The stamping numbers are very important. They show important details about the automobile or vehicles. So this post explains to you about stamping numbers on a GM/Chevy engine.
So, I will tell you the complete code stamping number of the big and small block Chevy engines. In this, I will show you the deep guide, revealing their significance and giving enthusiasts insightful knowledge about the engines’ pasts.
Small Block vs. Big Block: A Brief Overview
Chevy Small Block Engines:
- In the era of automobile technology, this small lock engine was introduced in 1955 as the 4.3L (265 cubic inch) V8.
- It is available in different displacements of 283, 327, 350, and 400 cubic inches.
- It is a very popular engine that is renowned for its lightweight construction and small size.
- It is widely used in the automobile industry. It is very efficient for cars and trucks.
Big Block Chevy Engines:
- In the era of automobile technology, this big block engine was introduced in 1958, 348 cubic inches (5.7L).
- Similarly, it is available in greater displacements (366–572 cubic inches) are available.
- It is known for its more substantial, weighty design.
- It is mostly used in trucks and high-performance cars, which are larger vehicles.
How We Can Understand Engine Code Stamping Numbers?
A Chevy engine’s engine code stamping numbers can show much about its characteristics, manufacturing history, and even its original use. Let’s discuss about these stampings essential parts:
Engine ID Number
This first thing is considered to notice the engine ID number. This alphanumeric number provides important information about the engine. Also, you can find it on the right front face of the engine block, directly below the cylinder head.
Prefix: Identifies the engine application code (such as passenger vehicle or truck), manufacturing date, and assembly plant.
Date Code: The engine’s construction date is indicated by the Date Code, which determines the precise day and month.
Casting Numbers
Casting numbers are the alphanumeric codes that are etched on the cylinder heads, engine block, and other parts. These numbers show the casting part number, making it easier to find the specific part and determine if it works with other parts.
Engine Suffix Code
The engine suffix code is shown on the passenger side cylinder head on the pad of the engine block. This code provides important details about the engine’s initial use, including the different kinds of vehicles and performance levels.
Engine Assembly Date:
Engine Assembly Date is an important part of the information and guide. It shows the assembly date shows when the engine was generated. The precise day, month, and year of production can be ascertained by decoding this date, which is typically located next to the engine ID number.
VIN Stamping
This VIN stamping is helpful to guide the engine in an original vintage car. A car Identification Number (VIN) derivation, which corresponds to the VIN of the car in which the engine was first fitted, is stamped on the block of certain Chevy engines. T
Interpreting Code Stamping Examples
To demonstrate how to interpret these figures, this example helps you to understand the interpreting code stamp easily:
- Engine ID Number: T1024CJX.
- Prefix ‘T’: Tonawanda Assembly Plant.
- Date Code ‘1024’: October 24th.
- Application Code ‘CJX’: 1974 454 cubic inch engine for a passenger car.
Small/Big-Block Casting Number
What is the Block Casting Number?
An alphanumeric code or string of digits and letters imprinted or cast onto an engine block during manufacturing is known as a block casting number. This identifier facilitates the identification and use of the block by providing important specifications information.
The smaller and Bigger block engine casting numbers are used to identify the engine block. It shows the casting number, the year of production, and the CID (cubic-inch displacement).
For example, the Chevy engine casting number 3970010 means:
A typical casting number for a Chevrolet small block V8 engine is 3970010. This designation shows a particular kind of engine block that was mostly used in various automobiles.
The Chevy engine blocks’ casting number provides a lot of details about the engine block, such as:
- Displacement.
- 2 or 4 bolt main.
- The year of production.
- Vehicle application.
Small/Big-Block Date Code: Explanation and Decoding
An engine block’s manufacturing process shows a sequence of alphanumeric characters known as a Small/Big-Block Date Code. This code helps to identify the manufactured date, which helps them assess how old it is and whether it works with other parts.
Style and Encoding
Date codes show different manufacturer dates. They have information like the month, day, year, and perhaps even the place of manufacture. The below table shows a possible format and how to decode it:
Code Format | Decoding Example |
---|---|
MMDDYY | 041573 (April 15, 1973) |
MMDDY | 062H (June 2, 1968, from Plant H) |
MM/DD/YY | 12/18/70 (December 18, 1970) |
Another example is the D106, which means:
- D = April.
- 10 = 10th.
- 7 = 1966, 1976, 1986, or 1996.
Usually, a letter between A and L, the month-designating digit, can also occasionally be a number, with 1 standing for January and 12 for 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 |
SBC/BBC Engine VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that is particularly linked to an engine in a vehicle is referred to as the SBC/BBC Engine VIN. This engine-specific VIN is unique to it and shows all the details about the engine’s specs, its production history, and occasionally even the car it was initially fitted in.
The vehicle’s 17-digit VIN is the source of the engine VIN, which is entirely used to indicate the engine.
It also indicates the VIN vehicle and shows the body style, engine type, security code, platform code, and other information.
- First digit: GM Division
- Year of production: 2nd number.
- 3 Letter: The manufacturing facility.
- Last 6 Digits Match the final six VIN digits of the car.
For example, the engine VIN is 13N100001, which means:
- 1= Chevrolet.
- 3= 1973.
- N= Norwood.
- 10001= The last six digits of the Chevy 1973 vehicle’s VIN.
Some VINs are used to denote specific assembly plants
Code | Assembly Plant |
---|---|
A | Atlanta, Georgia |
B | Baltimore, Maryland |
C | Hamtramck, Michigan |
D | Doraville, Georgia |
E | Linden, New Jersey |
F | Dearborn, Michigan |
G | Framingham, Massachusetts |
H | Lorain, Ohio |
J | St. Louis, Missouri |
K | Kansas City, Missouri |
L | Los Angeles, California |
M | Leeds, Missouri |
N | Norwood, Ohio |
P | Pontiac, Michigan |
R | Arlington, Texas |
S | Shreveport, Louisiana |
T | Tarrytown, New York |
U | Lordstown, Ohio |
V | Bloomfield, Connecticut |
W | Willow Run, Michigan |
X | Kansas City, Kansas |
Y | Wilmington, Delaware |
Z | Fremont, California |
1 | Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
2 | St. Therese, Quebec, Canada |
3 | Pontiac, Michigan (Truck) |
4 | Oakland, California |
5 | Wentzville, Missouri |
6 | Moraine, Ohio |
7 | Flint, Michigan |
8 | Leeds, Missouri (Truck) |
9 | Fairfax, Kansas |
FAQs
Show the Chevy engine suffix code list.
DZ: 302 cubic inch V8 (1969 Camaro Z/28).
LT-1: 350 cubic inch V8 (1970s).
ZZ4: 350 cubic inch high-performance crate engine.
ZZ502: 502 cubic inch big-block crate engine.
LS6: 454 cubic inch V8 (1970 Chevelle SS).
What engine code is 3999289?
Show the GM big block engine codes list.
396: 396 cubic inch V8 (early big block)
427: 427 cubic inch V8 (early big block)
454: 454 cubic inch V8 (early big block)
502: 502 cubic inch V8 (later big block)