Small block has number on left side right???

[ambitions2]

So I have this old 318 still in the garage and am looking to decode it.  I have been reading (actually studying) the Red book 2nd Edition lately and figured I could decode this.  Well I was wrong......


So it says that on a small block that numbers are on the left side of the engine under the cylinder head.  So I figured if I am looking at the water pump it would be on the right hand side.  So I look at the side and I saw there were numbers below the rear of the cylinder head which were 2538030 318 5 . 

Yeah so was I looking at the right number?  Also why do I have a feeling there is a small ID tag under the left side cylinder head?  Yeah 

[Alaskan_TA]

They can be hard to read, you have the block casting number. 2538030 is actually 2536030 though.

318 is 318 CID

5 means that the casting mold was on it 5th revision when this block was cast.

Time to look for some stamped numbers now, looking at the front of the engine right of the watter pump below the driver's side head is a series of stamped numbers. They may look something like FW 318 0000 0000 as an example.

Look for the VIN too, for most years it is on the passenger side of the block down low. What is the casting date on the block? It is on the passenger side as well in large letters.

Post the numbers you find and I can help you with them.

T/Ake  care,
Barry

[dimples]

6030 318's, are from 67-73?  They are the ones I look for, when block shopping............

I hear they are most likely able to be bored bigger, who knows, I never had any tested, I don't even think anyone does sonic testing up here.