Name that small block!

[Ragtop_Renegade]

I recently acquired a 1987 Camaro Sport Coupe. The previous owner is deceased. The guy I bought this from owns a salvage yard and has been sitting on this car for over 6 years. He can't remember but seems to think the engine was changed at some point. The engine has telltale signs of being played with, such as a tiny bit of RTV peeking out from under the intake manifold. Whoever did the swap, if there was one done, did a damn good job. There are no visible wire splices, all the assorted wire holders etc are all there, and the A.I.R. , EGR, and even the goofey electronic controlled franken-quadrajet are all hooked up - correctly. If not stock, I think it may very well be a GM goodwrench crate motor. I think this could be a 350 vs the 305 4bbl that the car had from the factory. I'm almost positive it is a true gen I block. Problem is, I can't ID the blasted thing. I'm hoping someone can help.

One note - please be SPECIFIC in a description and remember the engine is IN THE CAR and fully functional. For example, don't say "the serial number is on the front of the block" vs "the serial number is on the front of the block. You need to remove the timing cover to see it. It's dead center between the cam and crank gears"

What I DO know:

The engine was painted black.
The heads are modern iron e-tec style with centerbolt valve covers (87 correct)
The water pump is a long style
It has the correct combination serpentine/vbelt accessory drive for 87
The fuel pump is mechanical
The coil is a GM HEI external type
Exhaust manifolds are stock.
I can't located any STAMPED numbers, nor a flat spot where one would expect such number.

I found 2 different CASTED numbers:
"627" is on both sides of the block, numbers are about 3/4" tall and are upside down

on the rear just below the deck, almost directly above the oil filter boss is "N 199". When read upside down like the other numbers, it is "661 N" or be "551 N" They are tiny numbers and are had to read.

Places I haven't looked (should I?)

Beneath the motor mounts.
Under the timing cover.
Under the water pump and other accessories.
Behind the starter.
On the heads (could be swapped from original?)


Anyone know what I missed?

[curtis73]

You are looking for a longer number that is cast into the engine block right infront of the tranny bellhousing. Back there immediately in front of the tranny should be a bunch of numbers that will tell us a lot.

[Ragtop_Renegade]

Am I looking on the driver's side or passenger? Any chance it's hiding behind the starter?