Engine Identification

[Christopher E]

I am trying to determine if the 350 short block in may 1968 Firebird is the original, previous owner says it is, but not sure how to confirm.  I have found one set of number and letters stamped on the block, which does indicate the correct year/type engine for this car (I do have the PHS files).  However, I have been led to believe that there is a partial VIN stamped somewhere on the engine, but I cannot find it.  Any advice here?

[JUSTA6]

This looks like the front of your block.  Check the rear deck around the distributor.

[Christopher E]

Thank you, I will take a look back there.

[Frosty]

You should look on the front passenger side of the block, near the water pump. There should be a two-letter code and underneath are 5-6 digits. Those digits should match the last digits of your car's VIN.

[Christopher E]

I have looked there previously, but can't seem to find it, but will look again.  Thank you.

[Frosty]

Here is some more helpful info....

https://wowmusclecars.com/pontiac-engine-codes-specs/

 

[Christopher E]

Thank you, Frosty.  Very helpful.  One last question for you.  Are transmissions as traceable as the engine blocks?  Do they have partial VINs on them as well?  Just curious of there is a definitive way to ID a transmission as a "numbers matching: unit.

Best,

Chris

[Frosty]

Yes - sort of. The transmission has a serial number on it, however, it does not match the last digits of the VIN. Instead it should read some like this example:

 

68 PY   1325

68 is the model year for 1968. 

P is for Pontiac division

Y is the designation for a 400 Turbo Hydromatic transmission (you can validate what type of transmission you have from the shape of the oil pan too).

1325 is the transmission's own serial number. If you have your PHS documentation, you should be able to tie this serial number to the car's build sheet.

Edited May 9, 2023 by Frosty

[Wrongway]

Here's a couple of pics of my 68' Th400 with the tag from when it was out and the shape of the pan. 

[Christopher E]

Thank you very much.  I appreciate the information, very helpful.

Chris