motor vin

[variationperson]

what number do u see ?lmk ty

[Canuckvetter]

I see 3970010. GM most likely 350ci used from 69 through out the 70's. Probably the most common block.

[Rufas]

That is not a motor 'vin'. That is a casting number used to identify the engine block and typically about when it was made and what is was installed in.

[special-K]

Look for a stamped number with a three letter suffix.

[cypressbog]

Yes, a 010 block is the one to have.

[variationperson]

ok guys where do I find the number on the block to see if it came with this truck,because i am new to this lol . my buddy told me it would also tell me if its a 2 bolt ,or a 4 bolt main .also what color came out first orange or blue lmk thanks guys

[variationperson]

Sorry

[RustyBucket]

Originally Posted by special-K

Look for a stamped number with a three letter suffix.

The stamped letters will be on the passenger side front of the block deck... the surface sticks out in front of the cyl. head.

[KrashMan454]

Not sure when the paint color went from orange to blue, but I have never seen a factory correct motor in a 67-72 truck that wasn't orange. The suffix code or number you are looking for is on the front beck on the opposite side. Looking from the front of the vehicle it will be just under the front of the head on the passenger side. And just so you know. the 3970010 blocks are good blocks. But I have own that block number in both 2-bolt main and 4-bolt main. They a most commonly 4-bolt main with that number but could be either one. Hope this helps you.

[special-K]

I think blue started in '78? Could be wrong.

[variationperson]

Originally Posted by Rufas

That is not a motor 'vin'. That is a casting number used to identify the engine block and typically about when it was made and what is was installed in.

how can u tell what it was put in ? lmk thanks

[too much stuff]

Originally Posted by variationperson

how can u tell what it was put in ? lmk thanks

Find the suffix code on the pass side front of engine where the head bolts on. That should narrow it down if the code is still there. As far as a numbers matching vin for a truck, you won't find one. Best you can do is date code the engine and see if it is close. And I think special-K is right on blue engines starting about 78. Orange before that.

[Leonard60]

My 1976 was orange. My 77 was blue. Both we’re Canadian trucks so maybe they were different than USA ones.

[variationperson]

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Find the suffix code on the pass side front of engine where the head bolts on. That should narrow it down if the code is still there. As far as a numbers matching vin for a truck, you won't find one. Best you can do is date code the engine and see if it is close. And I think special-K is right on blue engines starting about 78. Orange before that.

Sorry to bug u guys is their a chart where i can look after i get the number to tell me more about my motor ? thank you guys for all your help

[geezer#99]

Suffix codes.

http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engine-code-stampings.php

Casting codes and pics.

http://www.mortec.com/

[variationperson]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Suffix codes.

http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engine-code-stampings.php

Casting codes and pics.

http://www.mortec.com/

here a number i came up with c8f181490 vu or vo 425tdr

[bruceman1968]

C8F181490 V0425TDR

You have a discrepancy with your numbers. Your going to need to get the casting date code off the block. (see pic below for location) We can tell that your engine is not original to your truck based on the numbers provided so far.
Truck motors did not get partial VIN's till the mid seventies. You have a partial VIN on your motor so it can't be a 67-72 truck motor and therefore not original to your truck. Your suffix code identifies it as a truck motor and not a passenger car motor so the block must be later than 1975. (TDR the T indicates truck) Suffix codes do not tell whether the block is a 2 or 4 bolt.

C8F181490
C = Chevrolet
8 = 1978
F = Flint assembly plant
181490 = Unique ID number of the truck the engine was originally installed in

V0425TDR
V = Flint engine assembly
04 = April
25 = 25th of April
TDR = 71 350ci,255hp, Auto
TDR = 72 350ci,175hp, Auto
TDR = 80 350ci,170hp, Auto

This is where we have a discrepancy. Your partial VIN is for a 1978 truck, but I can't find the TDR suffix code being used in 1978. It could be that the online websites and the reference materials I use have omitted the listing for some reason. Or could be a miss read on your part, or a miss stamp from the plant.
You have a 350ci from the late seventies, but to find the year you will need to check the casting date code on the block. Should be a letter followed by 2 to 4 numbers. (ex D28, D208 or D2078)
Please recheck the suffix code(TDR) and the second digit of your partial VIN(the 8). Although most likely you have them correct and the TDR suffix code for 1978 is just missing from the publications.
Definitely check the block casting date code. Then we can determine what year your 350ci is. See pic below for location.
Casting numbers always trump Stamped numbers.