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rshepard

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
On the block where the Engine ID/VIN numbers are I have 2 sets of numbers. T0517CTB and 12B690857, Is this correct because the first set runs over the 12B of the second and looks like it is not factory stamped like the second set is. Also any clues on decoding? Not the orginal motor.
 
#2 ·
3 possibilities:
CTB 72 402 Impala 240 LS-3 TH-400 4-Brl A.I.R.
CTB 72 402 Chevelle 240 LS-3 TH-400 4-Brl A.I.R.
CTB 72 402 Camaro 240 LS-3 TH-400 4-Brl A.I.R.
But actually all the same.

1= Chevrolet
2= 1972
B= Baltimore
690857= Sequential production number

So likely the Impala by the B code.
 
#8 ·
It's a Chevelle engine. My VIN is about 7000 after yours, and my block is a month later dated.
 
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#10 ·
Unless you find the original engine ,it'll never be as it came from the factory.
As for looks ,the 396 & 454 appear about the same to most people.
Best you could do with a 396 is get a "close" date code and call it as it is.
If it's a driver ,put the 454 in it for the best seat feeling.
 
#11 ·
Mike said:
Yes 402.
The 69 would have been Net HP while the 72 used Gross HP.
Click to expand...
as mike stated they started judging the hp different , I wouldnt change a thing. I am sure your engine has got to be close to 350, if not over if it has got a decent camshaft and a 4 barrel on it.

If it aint broke....
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Another question, Im more a body man than a motor man. Would I run into any problems putting in the L-34 cam or would you guys go bigger. I want the mean cam sound but dont want to bend any push rods to get it. also is ther any way to tell what cam is in it by looking at it. The guy told me the engine was rebuilt a few months before I bought the car. Dosent smoke or leak and runs strong.
 
#16 ·
Ronnie,
IF the engine is a 72 402, it still comes with small-domed pistons. The lower CR is brought about by factory installing cyl heads that have larger chambers. Easy fix is to simply locate a nice set of closed chamber heads, get the CR back up to +/- 10:1.
BUT.....
the small factory cams have such short duration, they will ping like crazy with 10:1 CR.
Even the L-34 cam....
That cam is so tiny!!!! yet it is the 'high perf" cam:boring::boring:

if you stay 9:1 if your engine is stock, the tiny L-34 cam will work.
if you bump the CR up to 10:1....start looking for cams with 222-230 deg dur @ .050" lift and lift at the valve around .530-.550"

any performance cam should have the proper springs installed....:yes:
 
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#17 ·
also is ther any way to tell what cam is in it by looking at it. The guy told me the engine was rebuilt a few months before I bought the car
Click to expand...
Yes you could tell by looking at it ,the p/n's usually on the rear bearing journal for GM & most aftermarket cams.
Have you asked what the PO put in for a cam ?
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
Since im doing a complete frame off for peace of mind Im going through the motor also. Hate to get the car back together and something go wrong with the motor. Only had it a day before I started tearing it down, Plans are to have it complete before chevellabration 09 and rod run in Gatlinburg
 
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rshepard
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