Hi Guys,
I wonder if someone can give me a breakdown of some engine numbers?

Front of block:
172148
WZ

Cyl Head:
16
J177

Is the 172148 simply a sequence number from the car?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Greg

172148 should match the vin on the dash. wz is the letters to indicate what type of engine it was to be built to for the requirements of the purchaser. 16 is number for the type of head ( ie 16 is a 4bbl in 68). j is month 17 is day a 7 is year so the head is made in oct 17 1967 or 77

wallaceracing.com has a lookup where you can check those codes (16, WZ) for performance specs. Yes, the other number is a sequence number and would match the Billing History for the VIN that is stamped on the lower front of the engine, along side the timing cover.

Here is a Firebird engine application chart for '68.

http://thefirstgensite.com/library/engines/68birdengines.jpg