[philipswanson]

I am trying to see if a '68 El Camino SS is a numbers matching car. Do any of you know the location of the VIN on the block of the 396 in '68? The passenger side deck surface, just in front of the head has no numbers. Am I looking in the wrong place? Thanks, Phil

 

[snydes]

If it has no numbers at all, then the block has been decked at some point. Some assembly plants stamped vin down along the bellhousing edge of the block at the oil filter, although I do not know what plants or when this practice was started.

 

[Dean]

Might check on the rear transmission flange above the oil filter.

 

[DaleM]

To my knowledge, VIN numbers weren't stamped on the oil filter pad until 1969 big blocks, and then only KC and Atlanta (see http://www.chevellestuff.com/1969/chevelle/engines/vin_location.htm), and some 70's were stamped on the bell housing flange. If there are no numbers at all on the engine pad, e.g., the Tonawanda engine ID stamp, the block has been decked and it's all gone.

You could determine if it's at least a period correct block by comparing the casting number and casting date to your car's time build.

 

[philipswanson]

To my knowledge, VIN numbers weren't stamped on the oil filter pad until 1969 big blocks, and then only KC and Atlanta (see http://www.chevellestuff.com/1969/chevelle/engines/vin_location.htm), and some 70's were stamped on the bell housing flange. If there are no numbers at all on the engine pad, e.g., the Tonawanda engine ID stamp, the block has been decked and it's all gone.

You could determine if it's at least a period correct block by comparing the casting number and casting date to your car's time build.

Can you tell me where the casting date for the '68 396 is? I'll loook for that too. This is a real nice car I am thinking about buying but I would like to verify it has the correct block. Thanks, Phil

 

[DaleM]

Can you tell me where the casting date for the '68 396 is? I'll loook for that too. This is a real nice car I am thinking about buying but I would like to verify it has the correct block. Thanks, Phil

On 68's I believe the casting date is on the rear of the block, passenger side of the bellhousing flange. Date would include a letter for the month and two or three letters for the day and year - such as D 19 8 for April 19, 1968.

 

[philipswanson]

On 68's I believe the casting date is on the rear of the block, passenger side of the bellhousing flange. Date would include a letter for the month and two or three letters for the day and year - such as D 19 8 for April 19, 1968.

Thanks to all of you for all the great information.

Phil

 

[midshark]

On my '68 396 engine the casting date is on the passenger side of the block, just above the oil pan, below the middle freeze plug.

Rich

 

[Dean]

Keep in mind of course that it may not even be a 68 block and may not be from the place the car was assembled.

 

[Ark68SS]

Just like Rich's, my '68 has the casting date right under the middle freeze plug on the right (passenger) side. You'll need a mirror or have the car on a lift in order to see it.
BillL