The area that is shown with the black outline is where the engine code is located. This is the front of the  passenger side of the engine. An engine code list is located

<click here>

This photo shows where the block casting number and date code are located.   The date code,  L017, breaks down as follows:  December 01, 1967. The block casting number, 9790071, is for a 1968-1969 400 engine.

A list of block casting numbers is located < click here>

Date code letter deciphering:

The date code is 4 digits. The first digit is the month, the next 2 digits are the day of the month, and the last digit is the year (6 could be 1966 or 1976).

 

A=January

B=February

C=March

D=April

E=May

F=June

G=July

H=August

I=September

J=October (September for 1967 model year)

K=November

L=December

M=December (1966 Only, for 1967 model year)

 

This page will help you identify the year and size of your Pontiac engine.

“455” stamping on drivers side front of engine, click picture for larger image  Photo courtesy of Rob Conrads.

 

“455” stamping in lifter galley, click picture for

larger image  Photo courtesy of Rob Conrads.

 

VIN number location on late 1967 to 1979 engines. It starts with “2”, a letter for the assembly plant, then the vehicle serial number.