how do you findout what kind of motor you have by the engine vin

Normaly if you know someone at a dealership in parts you can find out what you want (may possibly be somewhere online?)... But otherwise you can use Mortec.com and use the casting number to find out basic`s... But I can assure you there is no 1958 model 427 Chevy engine... In fact the 327 did not come out till 61-62 and the W`s came out in 58 but was either a 348 or 409cui but not a 427...

If it's a full size chevy 2 0r 4 door that 427 is not the original engine.

You should be able to find some info here::: http://www.xframechevy.com/

There is another site that deciphers the 58 VIN, I'll try and post the link once I scan my fav's.


Here ya go.... http://www.348-409.com/5859vin.html

If ya need more info on yer 58 you can alway PM me.. ( That's Private Message )

Any pictures of your 58?

I really don't think there is a way to tell what motor was originally
installed in a 58.
On my 59 nothing in the VIN denotes engine size
The VIN will inform of an original v-8 or l-6
As an example for the 59 Elcamino----somewhere in the VIN is the model
number----1180 denotes a 6 cyl----1280 denotes a v-8
In 58 only 2 sizes of v-8 were offered----283 & 348
The 348 has valve covers that kind of look like an M. That engine
looks like no other Chevrolet engine ever built (except for the 409
and possibly the 305 v-6 truck engine)
If I am not mistaken the first two digits of the 4-digit model number (series)
will be an odd number for the 6cyl---11xx,13xx,15xx,17xx
and an even nuber for the v-8---12xx, 14xx, 16xx, 18xx

Whoops----change all references of the VIN to the TrimTag--usually on the cowl

Bryan


I just went to that 348-409 web site and decoded my VIN
It lied--It told me it was a Sedan Delivery model 1171 6 cyl
I know it is a model 1280 Sedan Pickup---Trim Tag says so
Also was a fact. 348 tri power---This engine had an engine harness all
all to itself and the original 348 badge was on the original 348 hood
The trim tag also showed the correct interior that was in the car originally, and it shows the original blue paint. Car was originally
Blue/Blue with the appearance and comfort group--Dealer AC
Blue interior is NOT a common color for these cars as most were
Blk\Grey

I bought the car red/white with a red white blue interior.