Question: Vin Number Search

[eoseitz]

When I purchased my 74 corvette I was told the block had cracked and they had switched it out with an engine (or maybe just the block) from a 74 camaro. However, after looking at the block I noticed it was stamped 76. I decided to look up the vin number on a camaro forum and it definitely doesn't belong to a Camaro. I was wondering if anyone may be able to point me to a website to look up vin numbers, or if you may have a book to look it up for me. I'm at work right now, but I'll post the vin as soon as I get home. Thanks

 

[6880 Mike]

There should be two numbers stamped on the pad. One is the VIN derivitive; the other identifies the engine. Post both numbers.

 

[eoseitz]

I thought that was one long number. lol. I drove the vette to work today. I'll run out in a few minutes and get the numbers.

 

[rjent]

I thought that was one long number. lol. I drove the vette to work today. I'll run out in a few minutes and get the numbers.

If you really want to dial in what you have, try this ...

 

[6880 Mike]

If you really want to dial in what you have, try this ...

Engine suffix code on the pad is quicker.

 

[rjent]

Engine suffix code on the pad is quicker.

But stamped engine codes on the block can be faked, where castings can't. It won't tell you if the engine/heads were original or not, but it will tell you what the engine/heads were originally built for which is what the OP was looking for ....

 

[6880 Mike]

...stamped engine codes on the block can be faked, where castings can't....

Casting numbers can be faked, too.

He already knows the engine is not original. The existing suffix code would identify it.

 

[rjent]

OK

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Casting numbers can be faked, too.

Yup, I remember reading the story of a guy whose block casting number was ground off and replaced with a mix of epoxy and iron filings. It came off as a chunk while he was power washing the engine. Valuable car too, '67 427/435HP. :ugh

 

[eoseitz]

I found this on the front of the block near the passenger fender. It's on an edge that pops out further than the rest of the block. It's under the alternator. I think this is the right number. I took a wire brush and paint thinner to get the motor paint and grease off.

16NG08222 and then on the same pad and slightly larger and separate V041CHU

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

1978 350 auto trans. LM1 170hp 4 bbl carb Camaro built April ?? at the Flint engine plant. There should be four digits between the V and CHU

 

[6880 Mike]

...16NG08222...

1 Chevrolet

6 1976

N Norwood, CA

G might be a 6

08222 consecutive unit number.

 

[eoseitz]

Thanks a lot. Does anybody know how durable the block is on these motors? I have edelbrock preformer heads, mild aftermarket cam, and 4 barrel edelbrock performer carb. I don't know if I should go ahead and build this engine or buy something better. I want to turn it into a 383. I'm guessing as it sits right now the mods have probably added around 60 HP. I hope.

 

[eoseitz]

So I'm trying to figure out how you got this info. I understand part of it.

digits

1) is the make of the car. In this case chevy
2) Is the last digit of the year. Not sure how you knew it was from the 70's
3) City engine was built in
4-9) is the production number

What information did the V****CHU give me? I'll double check the four digits in between when I get home.

Oh thanks for all the info. This is a big help.

 

[JohnZ]

So I'm trying to figure out how you got this info. I understand part of it.

digits

1) is the make of the car. In this case chevy
2) Is the last digit of the year. Not sure how you knew it was from the 70's
3) City engine was built in
4-9) is the production number

What information did the V****CHU give me? I'll double check the four digits in between when I get home.

Oh thanks for all the info. This is a big help.

2) The three-digit suffix (CHU) format wasn't used until 1970, and the CHU suffix pegs it as a '76 Camaro application.

3) Is the code for the final assembly plant (N = Norwood, Ohio, where Camaros were built).

The four digits between the "V" and the "CHU" show the month and day of the month the engine was built.

What's the block casting number? It's on the driver's side flange at the rear of the block, behind the cylinder head, where the bellhousing bolts to the block.

 

[NORTY]

Thanks a lot. Does anybody know how durable the block is on these motors? I have edelbrock preformer heads, mild aftermarket cam, and 4 barrel edelbrock performer carb. I don't know if I should go ahead and build this engine or buy something better. I want to turn it into a 383. I'm guessing as it sits right now the mods have probably added around 60 HP. I hope.

It depends on "how far" you want to take your mods. If you are going all out then I'd look @ a warhawk block. You DO realize that drivability dwindles as you build up an engine...right?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

John-

The Nasty Z28 site shows CHU as being '78 LM-1 Camaro only. Do you believe this to be incorrect? If so I'll send a note to the site owner.

 

[JohnZ]

John-

The Nasty Z28 site shows CHU as being '78 LM-1 Camaro only. Do you believe this to be incorrect? If so I'll send a note to the site owner.

Yup. "CHU" was also used for '76 Camaro, and for '75 Corvette Federal L-48 4-speed.