A friend of mine just got a 1986 Firebird. According to the car's VIN, it came with the 173ci V6 engine. However, the engine under the hood is clearly a V8, and a 350 I believe. But I'm realy not sure....

Can anyone confirm what engine is this, and maybe tell me how to recognize it? Thanks!

 

You need to get the id number on the back of the block---close to where it meets with the transmission bell housing. It is on the driver's side----on the block---back of cylinder head. Once you get that number do a search on the net for (Mortec engine identification---or any search phrase like this) and you will be able to see what year and displacement it is---hopefully. Try it and see what you get.

 

there may or may not be an ID on the front of the block which could tell you what it originally came out of, but checking the back of the block is a sure thing to find out what it is exactly, and that's saying that the motor was not altered.

 

305...Is it an 86 engine or is it earlier? 86's were TPI's and 305's but they did still make carburated 305's in 86. Is it an F-body engine?

 

look by the drain plugs on the bottom of the block. close to the starter there should be a big 3 digit # 010 014 027 638 880....one of those numbers is usually a 350

if ya cant read the #'s on the back of the block, this is a good alternative.

 

If you'll post two numbers for me, I can look them up in my book here for you. I need the numbers from the back of the driver-side, on the block, just behind the head. I will also need the larger set of number/letters from the front of the block, just behind the alternator on a little ledge.

 

Looks like a post '80 block. Judging from the dipstick. Probably a LG4 305 since they were so common in so many cars. They are/were a dime a dozen at junk yards.

 

Agreed. And because it has perimeter valve covers and the standard angle intake bolts, I'd say its a 80-86 engine. What displacement? Go here:

www.mortec.com

 

Hey, thanks a lot guys for the info. We'll try to post the numbers on the engine asap, although it seems a bit difficult to read them...

Now, according to the previous owner, the engine's supposed to be a 350 4bbl, with a new performance cam.

Just by looking at this picture, is this possible?

 

Sure, its possible. It does have an aftermarket intake on it. And since the factory engine control wiring harness is missing, its got an aftermarkt carb on it too. Who knows about the cam... Definately can't tell that from a picture

 

I can tell you this.... It definately needs a good pressure washer taken to it with a little engine degreaser.

 

If it's got a cam it makes you wonder why they would use stock exhaust manifolds. Everybody that sells a V8 chevy always says it's a 350 with a cam. Everybody. I'm still putting my money on a 305 with a stock cam. Who puts a modified motor in with the stock air cleaner assembly and exhaust manifolds? I'm sure it happens, but chances are it's all stock.