Engine Code Stamping Numbers All engines are stamped with an engine ID code which consists of a prefix and a suffix. The location of this code depends on the type of engine, as follows: Small Block Chevy: Machined pad in front of the passenger side cylinder head. Often hidden by the alterator. Big Block Chevy: Above timing chain cover. Six Cylinder: Passenger side of the block behind the distributor. The prefix portion of the ID code tells you the assembly plant code, and the engine's production date (for example, 0701 = July 1st....no year is indicated). The suffix portion tells you the original model year / engine / transmission / car combination when it went down the assembly line (for example, CTY = 1970 396 Camaro, 375 hp, 11.0:1, TH400).

If you are researching a car that is supposed to be "matching numbers" then keep in mind that the engine date must precede the car build date, otherwise something is amiss. Some engine machining operations (decking) will obliterate the engine ID. Engine ID Code Example: V0107CLJ - (V = Plant, 01 = January, 07 = 7th Day, CLJ = Engine Suffix Code) Another example: T0830CTY - (T = Tonawanda, 08 = August, 30 = 30th day, CTY = 1970 396 Camaro, 375 hp, 11.0:1, TH400)

Code	Engine Plant		Code	Engine Plant
F	Flint (Motor)		S	Saginaw Service
H	Hydramatic		T	Tonawanda
K	St. Catherines, Ontario		V	Flint (Engine)
	(McKinnon Industries Canada)
M	GM of Mexico

Note: CODE CE was used from 1968 to current year. It represents any CID and is used to indicate a Warranty Engine.
VF292800 - is an example of a over the counter crate engine. "2800" is the last 4 digits of the GM part # for the crate engine assembly. The final digit could be a year code.
Another example: A Targetmaster engine (p/n 14009800) built in 1985 could have a code stamped as follows:
A0198005 (A = january, 01, 9800 = pn, 5 = 1985).