I'm getting ready to drive 500 miles to see a '66 SS 396. The research I've been able to do on this forum has been VERY helpful! I'm left with two questions...

The date casting # is 'located on the right side center of the block, just above the oil pan'. Is the RIGHT side the driver or the passenger side??? ("Duh" question?? Maybe...but I haven't done this before!!!)

Second question, for those who have checked these numbers, is...how hard is it to see that number?

Thanks for the help! The search for this Chevelle has gone on for 34 years. Could this be the one???

Passenger side., below the middle freeze plug just above the oil pan. Can be a little hard to read due to paint and grime build up. Take a rag and a little dollar store wire brush along. The date on my '68 396 was upside down, don't know if they're all like that. May be hard to see if the engine is still in the car, but if it's out, no problem.

Rich

http://www.yearone.com/updatedsinglepages/Id_info/gm_engine_id/gmidimages/endinedetail1.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/kmacklem/engine%20stamp%20code%202.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/kmacklem/engine%20stamp%20code%202.JPG
The date casting on the motor can be pretty difficult to see with the engine installed (not impossible, but difficult) The numbers Ripley has posted above are the most important ones when determining matching numbers, these are located directly in front of the passenger side cylinder head and are very easy to see on a short water pump block (unless A/C is installed. Good luck.

As Rich said, but add a good flashlight, small shop mirror and a can of brake clean to spray the grim away will help. In a nutshell - if you are trying to prove numbers matching - start by making sure the VIN tag on the door jamb has the correct star rivets, match last 6 of VIN to stamp on engine pad as mentioned. Intake between Dist and Carb has a date. Trans will also have a date stamp and partial VIN. Rear axle pass side front of tube will have a date as well. All to support what is still original. Compare dates to build week on body tag. Dates should be all prior to build week. Best thing to have is a Chevrolet By The Numbers book. It will tell what to look for and where to look.

PS This numbers matching idea can become a sickness.

http://www.yearone.com/updatedsinglepages/Id_info/gm_engine_id/gmidimages/endinedetail1.jpg
The block casting date location shown in this photo is not valid for early big blocks like the 3855961. The casting date is on the side of the block as indicated in the earlier post by Rich. A small swivel mirror on a stick may help in looking at this location if the block is installed in a car. It is very hard to see. I also agree with Krister.

Also be aware that the photo posted by Kelly is a 1971. The confidential VIN on this block is a smaller font and gang stamped. The 66 will have a larger font and most likely not be gang stamped; they can look very uneven in straightness and depth. Tonowanda stamp should look similar in appearance though.

Actually.. the fonts style and look will be different for each individual assembly plant for a 66 SS.. so BUYER BEWARE! when looking at deck stamps.. they were not all gang stamped either.

BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!

Mike Crown

Thanks, everybody! I'm feeling as well informed about visiting this Chevelle as I can.

I'll report in after the trip!