Problems with engine code

[afx2000]

hi there

I own a 73' Chevy Van G30 5.7l (350).
For the engine, the VIN says: Y (350-4 V8)
But there is another engine code stamped into the cylinder block. On the left front. It says "R", which is, according to http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm, an 400-4 V8 engine from 1977 and later.

Know I don't know what this R means. Is it really an engine code? And what engine do I own really? I have no idea what the earlier owners have done with the van. How else can I identify my engine?

I live in Switzerland, and GM Switzerland couldn't answer my questions...

Cheers
Mario

[Captkaos]

U would be a 1973 400, R is the designation for the 77-80 trucks.
What are the engine casting numbers on the block?

The VIN would indicated what should have came in the van if it was factory. 
It possibly would have a partial VIN on the block pad on the passenger side, are you saying it has a different designation?  What is the actual engine code?  The last 3 letters designate the suffix code, what is it?
An made up example would be F0215CKP = F =Flint assembly plant, 02 = February 15 = 15th day, CKP= 1972 400ci turbo hydro trans. 170hp 2bbl Caprice

[afx2000]

I couldn't find such a code. I found numbers like part numbers or serial numbers, but not VIN-like things.
GM3 and GM 33 was the only code with letters.

Someone told me that "R" means that it's an engine from a Buick, and that they used them too for Chevy Van G30 at this time.

Where do I have to look for this Code? I really looked everywhere...

cheers
Mario

[Captkaos]

You can get the casting number off the back of the block,  The engine code would be on the pad in front of the passenger side head.  If the block has ever been decked, this will be gone.
Where are you finding GM3 and GM 33?

I can't speak for anything international, but I have never heard of a Buick motor in any Chevrolet in 1973.

Does it look like a Chevy motor?  Buick motors are completely different, the distributor is on the front.

[afx2000]

I've made some fotos to show you everything:

This is taken from the front of the van. You can't see much of the engine, but there is the R stamped on the driver side, which should be an Y:


And this one is taken from the inside of the van with removed hood. On the left is marked where I found the GM 33 and a number.


And finally everything from the top. You can see the GM 33 again, the GM3 and two unknown numbers.


Both unknown numbers do not contain letters. I thought there must be some letters?

What do you mean with "If the block has ever been decked"?

[Captkaos]

if where you placed the "R" is where the actual R is located, it means absolutely nothing.  Ignore it.
 
The place where the Y will show up will be behind the alternator on the engine pad and only IF the VIN is stamped onto the engine pad.  This will be the same spot where the engine code would be stamped.

The unknown number under GM33 is the engine number, this will give you and the displacement and year of what the block is. you need that number, it won't have any letters in it as it is a Part number.  I can't tell for 100% sure, but it appears to be 3970010 which is a 1969-1979 350

The unknown number under GM3 on the intake manifold is the part number for the intake manifold.

If the block has been decked where someone plane machined the top of the cylinders it would remove the engine numbers stamped on the engine pad (top of the block)

It is definitely a Small Block Chevy and based on my guess (I know it ends in 010) it is a 350.

[VileZambonie]

Yeah that's a 350

[afx2000]

Am I right that the place where Y should show up is only visible when the alternator is removed?
 
Sorry my dumb questions, but the "Swiss Regulatory Authorities" which are checking the Van really don't have an idea about such cars...
It's really hard to get an approval to drive the car here in Switzerland, you won't believe what stuff they are complaining.

[Captkaos]

Yes, but it will ONLY be there if
A)if the engine hasn't been decked (machined down). and
B)the VIN was actually stamped under the engine code on the engine pad.
 
Technically, the only place you will see the engine displacement being referenced is on the VIN tag and on the RPO sheet (typically in the glove box). 
The engine number at the back of the block on the trans mounting flange (under GM33) will indicate the displacement size of the engine currently installed.

[afx2000]

Thanks, I try to tell them where it should be. They won't remove it to check. I only hope that they believe me. At least the engine number under GM33 tells also correct facts and is easy viewable.

The VIN code is: CGY 363 U xxx xxx . I can't remember what it means right now but it's correct and I can't see any replacement stuff in it.

[afx2000]

Hi all, after a view month everything could be solved! 

The "R" on my engine was a mark the Importer in Switzerland did. So you couldn't know for what this "R" is.
I then found out that back in 1973, the Importer (Chevy Switzerland) stamped in the wrong letter. Over the years no one complained about that. But now, as the owner changed, the government suddenly complaines about this letter.

After paying some money I received an official document, saying that I'm allowed to change the R to an Y.

Now everything is done, the van got the license, and I can drive around with it