305 or 350?

[1981 ss chevy]

I have an 81 stepside chevy 2wd and when I bought the truck the lady didnt know what it had how would I check? Run the VIN?  Get the serial number off the back of the block??  Or what?

[zieg85]

If the engine is original to the truck your VIN # will tell you what engine you have.  The letter before the X in the VIN would be either G,H or L.  Both G & H are 305 while the L is a 350.

[1981 ss chevy]

ok thanks zieg, and ya its original

[zieg85]

NP have a great weekend

[1981 ss chevy]

ok i ran the VIN online on a few different site and one says 350 and one says 305 how is that possible??

[zieg85]

I guess anything is possible however I only trust this sites info.  Chris has done an outstanding job. 


http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm

You can also run the engine # which is on the block pad under the alternator.  

[1981 ss chevy]

ok i trust this site it says 305 stupid internet VIN readers thanks again lol hope you had a good xmas and happy new year zieg

[VileZambonie]

Best to go off the casting # on the block to be sure

[Captkaos]

48 state 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive trucks from 81-86 were not offered with a 350, so if you want it to be original you want it to be a 305.

[frito-bandito]

48 state 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive trucks from 81-86 were not offered with a 350, so if you want it to be original you want it to be a 305.

Are you sure about that? A 350 wasn't an option?

[4x4HighSierra]

you could just look at the harmonic balancer to see if it is a 305 or 350.  A 350 has a fat balancer while a 305 has a slim balancer of around 1.5 inches wide i think its been a while since i have looked at a 305 balancer.

[Captkaos]

Are you sure about that? A 350 wasn't an option?

Yeah, 100%.

[frito-bandito]

Wow, I didn't know that. I guess that's the reason for this site, to teach us something new about the best trucks ever!