Engine and VIN ID

[mmsidaho]

I could use a little help decoding the small block 400 engine that came with my truck. The truck is a 1972 C10. I've checked several web sites and all I've been able to figure out is that the engine came out of a 1970 full size truck with a manual transmission. The truck as I bought it has a THM350 in it. Pics of the VIN and engine codes are attached.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[jocko]

Truck is an original V8 truck (E in the VIN) - what's your SPID say??
I am guessing yours is not original, I show the block casting number as a 70-72 400 sbc with 2 or 4 bolt mains. None of our trucks came with sbc 400 that I am aware of. but, I'm still diggin...

[71swb4x4]

3951511 - 400 small block came in 1970 - 1973 B and G Body GM cars.
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.php

[mmsidaho]

SPID on the glove box door was gone when I got the truck, so no idea there. Pretty sure the engine came out of something else, but would like to know what it came from and all the details on it.

[jocko]

T-Tonawanda
0211=Feb 11
But the important part - CCR (or COR) - I can't find this suffix code listed anywhere. It would/should tell you what this engine would have come in, rating, etc.

Good site the z28 one 71swb - that's one of my refs - your link also shows it as a 255-265 hp 4 bolt main engine.

[Survivalist45]

Best I got on the VIN was

C- Chevrolet
C- 2 wheel drive
E- 8cyl
1- 3900 GVW
4- pickup
2- 1972
F- Flint, MI

Then rest of the numbers is the # unit built.

Doesn't help, but I like decoding these

[Livrat]

It looks like the suffix code could actually be CGR.. that translates to:
CGR=1970,
400 cu, manual trans, 265hp, 2bbl carb, full size car/truck

The casting number indicates:
1970-73 #3951511, 400cu, 255-265hp, 4bolt main, B & G body

[71swb4x4]

I agree with the CGR.

I believe (not sure) that in 1972 307 was the standard V8, 350 small block and 402 big block were optional V8's.

[mmsidaho]

You are right, it is "CGR".

The "T" for Tonawanda makes sense, but "0211=Feb 11" doesn't make any sense to me. From what I found the "CGR" indicates a 1970 full size truck with a manual transmission and 265 hp.

[Livrat]

it looks like the engine was cast on the 25th day of a month in 69 (I can't quite make out the month letter) which would make sense of it being installed in Feb 11, 1970 in a full sized Chevy B-body (Impala etc) or a G-body (Monte Carlo)

[mmsidaho]

Just to clarify the numbers on the engine block are as follows:

Front of the block (passenger side) = 10C156025 and T0211CGR

Back of the block (driver side) = 3951511

You'll also notice the dots and the arrow pointing up on the right side of the photo of the back of the block. From what I was able to find this indicates the work shift when the block was manufactured.

[mmsidaho]

From what I've been able to find "10C156025" indicates

1 = Chevy
0 = 1970
C = ? (manufacturing plant, but can't find one for "C")
156025 = production code that would match the last part of the VIN code of the vehicle it was originally installed in.

For T0211CGR
T - Tonawanda?
0211 = production date of Feb 11th suggested above? (web site I found indicated production month was coded with letters)
CGR = 1970, 400 cu, manual trans, 265hp, 2bbl carb, full size car/truck

Based on this, I'm still trying to confirm the manufacturing plant and date.

[mmsidaho]

I know a lot of the folks on this board like photos, so for those of you trying to help me decode my engine, the photos below are of my current progress in restoring this truck. Over the past week I've been able to get the brake and fuel lines installed and am in the process of figuring out the rear Blazer tank installation.

[bruceman1968]

Originally Posted by mmsidaho

From what I've been able to find "10C156025" indicates

1 = Chevy
0 = 1970
C = ? (manufacturing plant, but can't find one for "C")
156025 = production code that would match the last part of the VIN code of the vehicle it was originally installed in.

For T0211CGR
T - Tonawanda?
0211 = production date of Feb 11th suggested above? (web site I found indicated production month was coded with letters)
CGR = 1970, 400 cu, manual trans, 265hp, 2bbl carb, full size car/truck

Based on this, I'm still trying to confirm the manufacturing plant and date.

It is on some codes, like the casting date code, but on the engine stamping code it is done with numbers Feb 11th is correct. T is Tonawanda

[bruceman1968]

WOW!!! That Chassis looks awesome!! Nice work!

[71swb4x4]

I believe that for Impalas C = Southgate, CA
http://www.impalaforums.com/restorat...mpala-vin.html

and I am finding a G for Monte Carlo which is Framingham, MA
http://www.firstgenmc.com/tech/vindecoding.shtml

So if that is a C in the VIN, and if the info I found above is correct, then we can assume the engine came in a 1970 Impala.

[bruceman1968]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

I believe that for Impalas C = Southgate, CA
http://www.impalaforums.com/restorat...mpala-vin.html

and I am finding a G for Monte Carlo which is Framingham, MA
http://www.firstgenmc.com/tech/vindecoding.shtml

So if that is a C in the VIN, and if the info I found above is correct, then we can assume the engine came in a 1970 Impala.

Comfirmed, that info is correct. I have CGR as; Impala, 1970, 400cid, 265hp, 400 trans, 2bbl.