How to Identify a Corvette 1989-1990 350 cid engine

[Stephen L.]

I recently purchased a streetrod with a Chev small block engine; possible 1989-1990 vintage. I am trying to determine if the engine is a 305 or a 350. I was "told" it was a Corvette engine, but............

I am unable to read any casting numbers or the VIN number due to the way the engine is installed (near/under the firewall) and some bracketry on the front of the engine.

I don't want to perform any disassembly, if possible, to see any numbers....

Some features on this engine which may help in identification:
1) engine oil cooler installed on the oil filter housing, cooled with water from the radiator. Appears to be original.
2) Fuel rail connection from the fuel tank system is on the driver side of the engine
3) The starter is the standard design vs a ministarter design.

Thanks for any insight.
Steve Lavigne

[Joe L.]

Re: How to Identify a Corvette 1989-1990 350 cid engine

I recently purchased a streetrod with a Chev small block engine; possible 1989-1990 vintage. I am trying to determine if the engine is a 305 or a 350. I was "told" it was a Corvette engine, but............

I am unable to read any casting numbers or the VIN number due to the way the engine is installed (near/under the firewall) and some bracketry on the front of the engine.

I don't want to perform any disassembly, if possible, to see any numbers....

Some features on this engine which may help in identification:
1) engine oil cooler installed on the oil filter housing, cooled with water from the radiator. Appears to be original.
2) Fuel rail connection from the fuel tank system is on the driver side of the engine
3) The starter is the standard design vs a ministarter design.

Thanks for any insight.
Steve Lavigne

Steve------

The info you provided doesn't offer much help. Corvettes with the KC-4 oil cooler were made during the 1984-91 period. Of course, all of these were 350 cid.

However, some Camaros also used the oil cooler. These were IROC-Z and Z-28 during the 1987-92 period. These included both 305 and 350 cid engines.

Corvettes from 1988 and later were equipped with gear reduction ("mini motor") starters. However, Camaros used direct drive starters through at least 1998.

Sometimes, Chevrolet small blocks will have a 3 digit raised casting code on the side of the block which represents the last 3 digits of the casting number. If so, this will help determine if the engine is a 305 or 350 cid.

[Stephen L.]

Re: How to Identify a Corvette 1989-1990 350 cid engine

Thanks Joe. That sure helps to identify the engine. Will try to see the casting number.......

[Stephen L.]

Re: How to Identify a Corvette 1989-1990 350 cid engine

Thanks Dave for the additional insight.
Steve

[Stephen L.]

Re: How to Identify a Corvette 1989-1990 350 cid engine

Dave, found the casting number 638 which indicates the 350 Thanks.

[Stephen L.]

Re: How to Identify a Corvette 1989-1990 350 cid engine

Head number 14101083 E238

[Stephen L.]

Re: How to Identify a Corvette 1989-1990 350 cid engine

Thanks Dave. Great info.