Has anyone found a good way to read the casting numbers and date codes on the back of the engine block while the engine is in the car and the hood is on?
I have tried to read them, but can't seem to get an eyeball on them. Do you guys use mirrors or any trick instruments?

The best way to read the numbers is with a mirror. Either a small compact
mirror from your wife's/gf's bathroom drawer, or autozone sells a small mirror
with a bend in the handle that makes it easy to read, and its only a buck or two.

68rag:

If your car has a powerglide in it,you will never read the numbers off the back of the block, part of the linkage runs directly across the area where the casting number is located. I have a dentist friend who gave me one of those mirrors they use inside your mouth along with a long narrow flexlight to get at the numbers on my buddies 4 spd. And that was a bear to do!!!!!!!!!

Dave

Griot's Garage (www.griotsgarage.com) sells a great 3X magnifying hinged mirror on a telescoping shaft; I use it all the time in NCRS judging. :thumbsup:

hmmm, i can read mine just looking down past the back of the hood....
Helps if it's clean

just get someone small to bend there way to look at them, thats how i did it, also if ur car isnt panted u can stand on the crossmember and peer down at the back but if its painted u might risk scratching or even denting it. its a heck of alot easier with the hood off.