Can anyone tell me how to determine which V8 is in a 1972 Ventura? Owner is not sure if its a 307 or 350.
if it is still orginal the engine size should be ib the vin and it will be a chev motor most likley ken
The motor has been rebuilt so I just want to check where to look on the motor. However, I will copy the VIN on the dash and do some checking if thats what you are suggesting Years back I had a 72 Ventura with a 350 and its motor was Pontiac blue
Fifth digit of VIN.... F is a 307 M is a 350 N is a 350 That will at least tell what engine car came with.
Standing in front of the car looking at the engine: Chevy 307 = alternator on left, valve covers are squarish Pontiac 350 = alternator on right, valve covers have a curved top
Chevy 307 will have casting number 3970020 on top of the block just ahead of the bellhousing. A Chevy 350 will have 3970010.
Good point. I've never seen one with the Pontiac engine but I have heard of them. I'm a little unclear about the original post, whether it was to determine if it was a Pontiac vs. Chevy 350, or a Chevy 307 vs. Chevy 350. To a novice, both Chevy and Pontiac will have rear distributors and 4 bolt valve covers but the Pontiac will have a cast aluminum timing cover with the fuel pump on the driver's side and a valley cover under the intake. Chevy will have a tin timing cover and the fuel pump on the block on the passenger side.
According to the literature, the only V8's the '72 Ventura's came with were either the Chevy 307 or the Pontiac 350.
