Which gm v8 does it have?

[Brian]

I tried to change a starter on a 1980 el Camino, but the parts store sold me one for the original motor, a 305? This engine looks hefty, custom headers and what not. It cruises smoothly at 120 mph!
Does anyone know where to look at an older gm v8 and what to look for that will identify this engine correctly?

Topic

[jason]

what side of the engine is the oil stick on and the best way is to look on the front right side of the engine right over the timing cover and there is a flat spot that stands off the block. the number on there is like a vin you can run it and it will tell all that u need to no about it. that is passengers side.

[Mike]

I Googled “identifying GM V8 engines”, and this is the first site in the search results:

http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html

That site deals mostly with small block V8s. Assuming you have a factory-correct engine for the year, small block info is all you should need. In ’80, the El Camino came with only two available V8s: the 267 and the 305. Are you 100% certain this is an ’80 model year? The 350 was available up until ’79. I have no idea about starter compatibility between any of these engines.

Now, if some previous owner has done a Frankenstein number on this car, you could have almost anything under the hood. It doesn’t even have to be a GM engine. If possible, a photo or two might help.

[none]

I’m automatically assuming that it’s still a Chevy engine under the hood and that’s what I’m going to give my two cents to. The stamped number on the front pad may not tell you enough. It can tell you the back end of the VIN and a build date and plant code. They put a casting number on the back of the block on the driver’s side too. The problem is it’s on the back of the block and reasonably snugged up against the firewall but you should try and get that number to help you isolate what block you’ve got.

Did you compare the new starter to the old starter yet? If it’s jut a remanufactured starter, you might be able to get away with swapping out the rear housing halves if you’d feel comfortable taking the starters apart.

[2leadfeet]

The starter should have a part number on it. Pull it, take it to your local parts store and if they are any good, they should be able to cross the original part number to something they should have in stock. Besides, you’re going to need to return the old part for your core anyway.

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[Gary]

The 305 has different heads, bore, stroke, crank etc. Total smog era engine. In any case, I agree pull the starter and get the numbers.

[Author]

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