For the sake of clarity,
we've broken down the locations by engine type and code/number
type.
Engine Identification Numbers:
L6 - The engine identification codes are located on a machined
pad on the right (passenger) side of the block behind the
distributor.
V8 - On both small- and
big-block V8s, the engine ID codes are found on a machined pad on
the front passenger side of the block just below the head. This pad
is actually an extension of the block deck surface. The date code and casting numbers are mainly for
identification and quality-control purposes. Through the casting
date, the day/night shift indicator and, on some components, the
"clock" position, it's possible for Chevrolet to pinpoint within an
hour or so when a specific component was cast. Casting numbers also
identify specific "families" of components.
Engine
Component Casting Numbers (the following information applies to V8
engines only):
Block - Both small- and
big-block V8 block casting numbers are found on the
bellhousing/transmission mounting flange at the rear of the block on
the driver's side.
Head - Small- and
big-block V8 head casting numbers are found underneath the rocker
cover, usually between rocker arm pedestals.
Intake Manifold - Intake casting
numbers on most all Chevrolet V8s are found on the top side close to
the carburetor mounting pad.
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Engine Component Date Codes (the following information
applies to V8 engines only):
Block - On small-block V8s, the date code is located on the
bellhousing/transmission mounting flange at the rear of the block on
the passenger's side. Big-block V8 date codes are usually found on
the bellhousing/transmission flange at the rear of the block, but
may also be located on the driver's side of the block near the
freeze plug. Still others (348/409 W-engines) may be found above the
oil filter.
Cylinder Head - Date codes for small-
and big-block V8 cylinder heads are usually found next to the
casting number underneath the valve cover. The dates are, in most
cases, alphanumeric. See the sidebar on date codes for decoding
information.
Intake Manifold - Chevrolet used both
cast-iron and aluminum intake manifolds throughout the muscle car
era, and the date codes are located in different places on each. The
code on cast-iron intakes is normally found on top of the intake
near the casting number. Aluminum intakes most always have the date
code on the underside of the manifold, usually under the oil splash
shield (if so equipped). This will make the location of aluminum
intake date codes impossible if installed on the engine, and even if
not, the oil splash shield is in most cases riveted in
place.
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