[weifert]

Im looking at a 69 Camaro with a 454 that Im thinking of buying. Is there a way to tell if its a LS4, LS5 or LS6? Some code located on the engine?

Also, is there a way to determine what year it was built (I understand that an engine from LS5 engine from 1972 had much less horsepower than one from 1970, for example).

Many thanks.
Bill

[buenymayor]

Look on the engine pad http://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml#PadStamps and post the numbers here. They will tell us what the block originally was. We'll also need the casting numbers/dates of the block, heads, and intake to tell for sure.

[weifert]

The person only had a block number. Number was: 399 9289.

Would it make sense to ask them to Dnyo the engine....so I can see what Im getting?

[Eric Kammerer]

3999289 1972-78 454 215, 235, 240, 270, 2 bolt, car & truck

So, can't be an LS6. Could be an LS5. Would need the assembly stamp codes off the pad in front of passenger side head, plus the casting date off the back (near that casting number you posted. Plus the casting numbers/dates off the heads.

The change in horsepower ratings from the 71-72 MY was mostly a result of a change from SAE Gross rating to SAE Net.