Thread: Chevy engine decoding with Vin on block

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:…… 327 250HP with a Powerglide……”


Whatever the VIN number says it “used to be” is usually exactly that…..“what it used to be” after it goes thru it’s first rebuild.

Normally on a rebuild, guys (especially hot rodders) will end up over boring the engine and the compression will land where it lands based on the pistons chosen to fill the holes, head gaskets used, milling etc. Often times the cam will be replaced with something that’s not even close to the factory specs. Of course, if you happen to have a better set of heads laying around chances are you end up throwing those on too. In the case of the double hump heads there were 2 flavors; one with 1.94/1.50 valves and the more desirable 2.02/1.60 valves.

From red paint and what looks like what may have been an aftermarket timing cover I would guess that chances are the engine has at least been partially gone thru at sometime in its life.

Anyway if it’s in a driving car and runs good enjoy it…….if it’s a candidate for a builder, I sure wouldn’t pay a premium for it. That said if the price is good it would be as good a start as any for an engine project provided it’s not already bored to the max or the crank turned to the minimum.

Unless you’re a hardcore numbers guy DZ302 or Corvette LT1 blocks are pretty much just bragging rights unless they are in the original car.


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