Just new to this so looking for a little help here. I read a bunch of the threads but still don't know how to find the info. I have a 76 and engine #16S444268 casting V0709CKW, trans #1304065908 are these original or where would I find this info? Got the engine on the bench now so we are moving along, painting firewall and front end soon, any tips? Using Por 15, sound right? Thanks, some good reading here and great info...

The CKW suffix is correct for a base engine, '72, and '76 Corvette w/4speed.
The VIN stamp(16S444268) is also right for a '76 Vette. If the last 5 digits of your VIN are 44268, then this is the original L48 engine for your Corvette. The engine was assembled July 9th. We can assume this was '76, but without the casting date of the block, it could be '75, OR '76....my bet is '76.

You should be able to find the trans VIN stamp by looking HERE for the VIN stamp, and assembly date.
The number you listed above appears to be a casting number for the trans case. See if you can locate the VIN stamp, and see if the last 5 digits on it match the last 5 on your car.

Welcome to C3VR!! Adams' Apple2009-01-16 11:26:11

Life is good and thanks for the info, did not pick up on the serial# but it is the same for both, now I know. So 76, 350's were two bolt main's?

The L48 almost always was a 2 bolt main. The L82s were almost always 4 bolt mains. Truth be known, the only way to be positive is to pull the pan. Traditionally, tho, all low-horse engines were 2 bolters.....

Thanks for the info, this is truly a great site to learn from. Mine is a two bolt but I had a friend with a four bolt and the same casting number so we rebuilt that block instead, will keep the original around (some paper weight, hey) I look at your cars on here with envy and appreciation, it is a long road to get where you are, one step at a time. Thanks again.

Yeah...casting #s really don't tell if it's a 2 or 4 bolt main...weird, eh?
The difference is in the machining done after the block is cast...that's why I always say it's best to actually LQQK to be sure. I've heard folks talk about freeze plugs, and oil galley plugs that could differentiate between the 2 & 4 bolt blocks, but ya just never know...

Glad you're enjoying the site, and we're all happy to help with any questions/theories/info you may need.