I am restoring a 1969 SS Camaro. It does not have the original engine but, I can't seem to figure out which engine is in it. I know that it is indeed a big block but, the research I have conducted seems to indicate that it is either a 396 or a 402. The code stamped on the passenger side of the engine (just in front of the cylinder head) is in fact: T0922CTB in large letters, 12Y106895 in smaller letters. Can anyone shed some light on this topic?

 

Its a 72 manufactured on sept. 22 that year. Having trouble with whether its a 396 or 402 though too. Can you pull the casting number? It would help. heres a number location chart Chevrolet Engine Codes

 

All 1972's would be 402, not 396. The 396 ceased to exist by 1972.

 

i know for chevelles in 69 they were 402's. the just bored the 396 but chevy decided to keep the 396 badgeing im not sure on camaros though but i would guess they are 402s badged as 396

 

A 1969 Chevelle 396 ss is a 396. All cars badged as 396 in 1969 had a 396. In 1970 all cars badged as 396 was a 402. No auto after 1969 got a 396. In the monte Carlo it was called a 400 but still a 402. One quick way to tell if you have a pre 1969 big block is to look at the VIN stamp on the front, if there are 3 letters like in brocksta`s example CTB it is 1970 or later. 2 letters is 1969 and earlier.

 

I believe the trucks were also marked 400, but were a 402 from 1970-72. Some confusion came when later trucks were eventually offered with the 400 smallblock, and still marked 400.

 

And to add to the confusion, a chevelle malibu (not a SS) 400 was a 402bb, not a small block. Have a friend with a fully documented drop top with the 402/Automatic with 400 emblems on the fender behind the front wheels.