I am trying to verify if a 1969 SS396 has a matching numbers engine . The block stamp behind the alternator contains some odd characters "T1 I6 TLM" the vin for the vehicle is 136379k375854 so I thought that block stamp location would have the last 5 digits of vin. The vehicle is supposed to be a 1969 Super Sport 396 with numbers matching engine. Thanks in advance for any help clarifying.

I am trying to verify if a 1969 SS396 has a matching numbers engine . The block stamp behind the alternator contains some odd characters "T1 I6 TLM" the vin for the vehicle is 136379k375854 so I thought that block stamp location would have the last 5 digits of vin. The vehicle is supposed to be a 1969 Super Sport 396 with numbers matching engine. Thanks in advance for any help clarifying.
tlm suffix code looks like a 400 small block from 77 if my charts are correct

I am trying to verify if a 1969 SS396 has a matching numbers engine . The block stamp behind the alternator contains some odd characters "T1 I6 TLM" the vin for the vehicle is 136379k375854 so I thought that block stamp location would have the last 5 digits of vin. The vehicle is supposed to be a 1969 Super Sport 396 with numbers matching engine. Thanks in advance for any help clarifying.

"T1 I6" is the engine assembly plant and date, Tonawanda, January 16 ("I" is often used for "1") - unfortunately no year is given. Problem is the "TLM" suffix. Probably for a truck engine as all Chevy passenger cars (from late 69 up to 75 as far as I know) began with "Cxx". The correct partial VIN stamping (based on your VIN) would be 1 (Chevrolet) 9 (1969) K (plant) 375854 (last 6 digits of VIN). An alternate location for the partial VIN on a 69 engine is on a small pad by the oil filter - see http://www.chevellestuff.com/69velle/engines/vin_location.htm. Some 70 and later engines had the partial VIN stamped on the rear flange where the bell housing bolts up. All said and done, it doesn't seem to be a 'matching numbers' engine. What is the body date on the firewall tag?

just in case your reading the pad wrong, a vast majority of BBC chevelles in 69 have the vin stamped on the vertical surface of the driver side of block directly behind the oil gallery (left of the oil filter). Only 3 digit codes in 69 start with a "C". Also to quickly determine small vs. BBC if your not accustomed to doing so, 90 something percent of SB's don't have a bypass hose connecting the water pump to the intake, look for a 90 degree bent hose smack in the middle of the front of the intake to the water pump to determine BB vs. SB. good luck. JN

TLM is a 1972 truck engine, 402cid, 210hp with A.I.R. (pollution control)