Just bought a 396 from a local guy(haven't even picked it up yet). He wasn't sure of what type of car the engine was supposed to be in orginally but provided me with alot of numbers. I'm trying to decode this engine.

rear: 3935440 front is T0415EU 18K196634 Heads GM3T 3933148 C 149

This is all know. I have some pictures I could post.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
CC

http://www.nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-codes/chevy-engine-codes-suffix-13.php

Looks like a '68 Chevelle 396/350HP with a TH400. Are you sure the date code isn't C 14 8?

The engine was assembled on April 15, and I would guess the year would be 1968.

I believe the "K" in the VIN number means Kansas City. And the "8" second digit means 1968 model year.

From the info I have it looks like a 68 396/350 hp with an automatic trans out of a Chevelle. Build date is April 15th. The heads don't belong with the engine. They are for a low hp 2 barrel engine, possibally 366 big truck engine. The c 14 9 is March 14th 1969.
James



Michael beat me to it except for the part about the heads.

Just bought a 396 from a local guy(haven't even picked it up yet). He wasn't sure of what type of car the engine was supposed to be in orginally but provided me with alot of numbers. I'm trying to decode this engine.

rear: 3935440 front is T0415EU 18K196634 Heads GM3T 3933148 C 149

This is all know. I have some pictures I could post.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
CC

The 440 block was used in many cars during 68-69.

T0415EU=Tonowanda engine, April 15 build, EU is for 68 Chevelle 396-350 with automatic.

18K196634 is the partial VIN of the car the engine was originally installed. 1968 model year car built in Kansas.

I was typing while the other posts were being done.

The heads are for a 1969 passenger car with a 396-265 dated march 14th, 1969.

I confirmed the numbers on the heads are correct at C 14 9.

One last question then. How long before a car was built was the engine supposed to built. I think that my car is dated second week of July. This engine is dated 2nd week of April. that's 3 months. Too long huh?

That's a little too long IMO. BTW, I wouldn't use those heads, probably the worst BB heads Chevy ever made.
BillL

I'll probably try to use those heads for awhile. I impulse bought this engine and planned on just trying to use it one summer until I could save up some more money for a more high dollar one. The idea is to just work on getting the car road worthy first. I'm not really sure just yet though. I'll need to get some quotes from the local speed shop about prices for upgrading this engine.

Can you post the casting date off the block?