what is the best way to tell if the engine is the original one that came with the car. I have a 1980. the vin says 1z878as etc... should be a L-48, but the valve covers and other characteristics seem to suggest a L-82 or 1981 or 1982.

Look at the last several digits of the VIN number. Now look just in front of the right cylinder head. There is a small pad on the front of the engine block. The engine numbers are there. You should find a match to the VIN. If you do, it original, if not it's been swapped. If it does not match find the 3 letter code. Call you Chevrolet dealer parts dept, give them the code and they can tell you what the engine is, what car it was in, and what transmission was behind it.

Ken Styer

I was able to find the engine block casting # but all 1980 - 82 use the same block casting # my # is 14010207.
the casting# is located drivers side rear on the bell housing
I could not find a vin# on the block where you said it was, is it in the front of the engine or back by firewall.

Also would anbody be able to decode my trim plate on drivers side B28 722 13L.

It's right in front of the right cylinder head, at the base of the head on the top surface of the block. It faces upward. The "tab" with the number is only about 1/2 inch wide and a few inches long. You may need to do some cleaning to find it.

Ken Styer

Thanks Ken, After some cleaning I did find it and it is the original motor. would you be able to decode my trim plate or anybody else it reads chevrolet B28 trim 722 13L paint.

The best I can tell is your car was equipped with a red leather interior and silver exterior. Hope I'm right and this helps.

thanks Gunslinger!! does anybody know what the B28 stands for on the trim plate?

That means the car was built Sept 28th, 1979