Help with 618 casting number

[Mingles905]

Hey Ed, I think I found some useful information here....

http://www.camaros.net/forums/15-tag-team/135597-chevrolet-engine-code.html#/topics/135597?_k=utxqkd

[Mingles905]

Hey Ed, it's actually a short block.  Complete on the inside.  Crank, Rods, pistons etc...  if it's a 327 should I keep and use the internals or source Something else out?! I found some useful information here.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/15-tag-team/135597-chevrolet-engine-code.html#/topics/135597?_k=utxqkd

[bertfam]

Well then, there you go!

327's are GREAT engines! Way unappreciated in my opinion. I've had several 55-57 Chevy's and a few other cars with 327's and they ran very strong. If the internals are good, I'd stay with the 327, but that's just me.

Ed

[Mingles905]

Hmmmm id definately love to keep the 327 aswell, but I measured the stroke and it's slightly more then 3.5" so now I'm not sure what I've got again.   Lol.  I guess I'll pull the pan off when I get some time and see.  I have to strip it down to send off to the machine shop anyways.  The cylinders are inaccurate but there's a small ridge at the top of each cylinder so I'm hoping I can go .30 over and it will be enough. 

[ZLP955]

An explanation of the 'M' coded block, from CRG's drivetrain decode info:

"M"-Coded Blocks
There is one exception to the normal block casting date convention that has been observed: some blocks have been seen with "M" cast codes. Research by the Saginaw Metal Casting Operations of GM Powertrain Division has found that these "M" codes are not date codes, but actually a foundry code used to indentify parts that were made to evaluate a casting process change. After evaluating the parts, the blocks would either be destroyed or released into production. There is no way to determine the date an "M"-coded block was poured.

[bcmiller]

Hmmmm id definately love to keep the 327 aswell, but I measured the stroke and it's slightly more then 3.5" so now I'm not sure what I've got again.   Lol.  I guess I'll pull the pan off when I get some time and see.  I have to strip it down to send off to the machine shop anyways.  The cylinders are inaccurate but there's a small ridge at the top of each cylinder so I'm hoping I can go .30 over and it will be enough. 

Yes, check the casting number on the crankshaft.  Or post a picture of the back end of the crankshaft and we can probably tell you what it is based on the shape.