Hi,

I'm wondering if there is any way to tell by the VIN Code what size engine actually came in a particular car. I know it will tell you if it was a six or eight cylinder, but is there anything that tells whether it was a 283, 327, 396 etc... Just curious. Thanks.

Nothing in the vin...Joe

So is there any way to tell which motor came in a particular car???

You'll have to tell us more of what you have or what you may think you have. I know you call yourself 65 ragtop, but are you refering to a Chevelle, Impala, Nova or Corvette?
Joe

I have a '65 Impala Convertible, and although I know what the original motor is, as I was "decoding" the VIN, I got curious as to whether there was any way to tell what specific engine came in these vehicles.

You will have to do a search for the engine casting date and the engine number at the front mounting surface for the passenger cylinder head will end in a suffix. My 65 ss has an HC suffix which is for a 327, 250 HP P/GLIDE.

All engine sizes have a different suffix as to Cubic capacity, hp, gearbox.
Sometimes there is a built sheet on hi perf vehicles under the front seat and includes all options. The cowl trim tag has letters and number for some of the options as well.

There wwere no letters or codes that identified the size of the 8 cylinder engine. The only thing would be like engine mount brackets, exhaust hangers and their size an location , fuel line size and tank unit type, and radiator mounting and shrouds and if you lucky the part number tag on the front coil springs if they are original.