I found the following engine ID behind the alternator :t0103jq Can someone please help me decode it?
Thanks!

JQ 1969 Chevrolet (Impala) 396 265hp TH
T is Tonawanda NY engine plant
0103 is Jan 3rd

Code--JQ
Year--1969
CID--396
Vehicle--Impala
HP--265
RPO--L-66
Trans--TH-400
Carb--2-Brl

http://www.chevymania.com/partsid/suffix.cfm?block=Big
http://www.chevymania.com/partsid/suffix.cfm?block=Small

Thanks, guys! Now the next question....what all is different between this 265 hp version and the 325 horse version in the Chevelle? I purchased a 70 SS with this motor in it and for lack of a better term, the performance is not up to par. The motor has a 4 barrel holley, comp cam, headers, etc. Were the heads the real difference between the impala/chevelle engines in 69?

The block should have a casting # with the last 3 digits of 272.

In the passenger cars that was a 2 bolt main block with a 2 bbl carb.

The heads were only used for this one particular application. They are the 148heads with 2.06/1.72 intake and exhaust valves.

So, what can I do performance-wise to get the engine up to par with where the chevelle engines ran? I guess the next step is to identify what heads I have? Maybe a different set of heads is the answer?

Is there a vin stamped on your block on the engine pad or down by the oil filter?

No vin stamped on the engine pad for sure....I haven't looked by the oil filter. What's the significance of the VIN being there?

No vin stamped on the engine pad for sure....I haven't looked by the oil filter. What's the significance of the VIN being there?
Actually a partial VIN. It will identify the year, assembly plant, and sequence number the car was originally installed in.

In your case it's really of no significance but Warren collects data on full size Chevrolets and it'll add information to his database for the future to help other Chevrolet enthusiasts. :thumbsup: Partial VIN would look something like 19J000001.

I see. I'll see if there is anything by the oil filter. Thanks!

It's a rough cast area and may not be easy to spot. See http://www.chevellestuff.com/1969/chevelle/engines/vin_location.htm for a couple of examples.

So, what can I do performance-wise to get the engine up to par with where the chevelle engines ran? I guess the next step is to identify what heads I have? Maybe a different set of heads is the answer?

Pull the valve covers off and see what the casting #s are.