Can you identify this engine?

Wed 02 Jan 19 10:42

Can you identify this engine?

So I have a recently imported C3 with a non-factory engine. Initially described as a “corvette engine, from a later model” i have been struggling to identify what the donor car was (if it was a ‘vette at all).

I haven’t been able to find the engine plate yet, which is also why I’m struggling to find out where it came from.

Wed 02 Jan 19 10:56

Re: Can you identify this engine?

The casting number is your main point of reference. I think it should be stamped on a small flat section at the rear of the block, driver's side, below the cyl. head.
You may need to clean it up with a wire brush (or similar).
Information is available on the net (there are several resources under GM V8 Engine Identifiers) which should solve your problem.
It looks like a previous owner has gone to the trouble of fitting after-market exhaust headers.
Don't be surprised if it was made in Mexico for a Chevrolet passenger vehicle (read: sedan).

Hope this helps .... some other CCCUK guys probaly knowmore than I do, esp. those
who have rebuilt C2s and C3s and done engine jobs; perhaps they can tell you more.

J.C. (1911)

Wed 02 Jan 19 15:07

Re: Can you identify this engine?

As Jack sys, the Casting Number is at the rear of the block, but may be hard to see without a mirror.

But the engine ID Number would give you a bit of info and is easier to find. It is on a flat "pad" just in front of the right hand cylinder head. In the case of your engine, it would be tucked down under the alternator. (The alternator on yours is, to my knowledge, on the wrong side of the engine and should be on the left, above the power steering pump, in all C3s)

The number will contain engine info; Plant of manufacture, date and a Suffix code which identifies the intended engine use. The pad will also have an element of the car's VIN., usually on a different line.

So,an Engine ID Code Example would be:

V0101CLJ - (V = Plant, 01 = Month, 01 = Day, CLJ = Engine Suffix Code)

If you can find that, tell us the Suffix Code and we'll be able to give you an idea what the engine came from.

Incidentally, it would appear that your heater has been "by-passed". Interesting also that it has no power brakes?

Last edited by kentvette on Wed 02 Jan 19 15:11; edited 1 time in total. [6 %]
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Wed 02 Jan 19 19:37

Re: Can you identify this engine?

The block casting number should be easily visisible. It's below the middle tee piece vac affair on the tast pic where block meets belhousing.

The most informative numbers are on a flat pad beneath your alternator at front of enginge.

Read them out and we can id.

Wed 02 Jan 19 19:44

Re: Can you identify this engine?

Correct, no power brakes or steering. Unlike the engine, alternator and fan spacer (extruded aluminium in the 1970’s?) I think these are original.

When you say bypassed the heater, what do you mean? Is that the large hose from the inlet manifold, or the weird 90deg bend on the 3/4” hose? I only ask as none of my dials work at all as well, except the speedo.

Wed 02 Jan 19 20:04

Re: Can you identify this engine?

What he means is that heater hose instead of being 'fed' from water pump spigot outlet to heater inlet port - simply goes to the heater return spigot on the engine - short circuiting the heater. Engine seems to be a centre bolted lump perhaps out of a 80's C4 or Camaro???????

Last edited by roscobbc on Wed 02 Jan 19 20:13; edited 1 time in total. [1 %]
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CCCUK Chairman
'68 coupe - 4 speed - 3.08 - 489 cu in - 570 bhp @ 5850 rpm - 606 ft/lbs torque (821 Newton Metres) @ 3850 rpm

Wed 02 Jan 19 20:06

Re: Can you identify this engine?

Or truck!

Wed 02 Jan 19 20:16

Re: Can you identify this engine?

L88 wrote (View Post):Or truck!
I was trying to be kind Frank.......

--------------------
CCCUK Chairman
'68 coupe - 4 speed - 3.08 - 489 cu in - 570 bhp @ 5850 rpm - 606 ft/lbs torque (821 Newton Metres) @ 3850 rpm

Wed 02 Jan 19 20:37

Re: Can you identify this engine?

The numbers will tell the story.... whatever it is I'd sell it put and put in a 3970010 along with a correct dated alloy expansion tank to start to make it look correct.

Thu 03 Jan 19 15:35

Maybe a Goodwrench crate motor????