well, so far i have determined that my heads are #16, that my block is either a 389, a 400, or a 455 (YX code) , that the car was originally a 6cyl, made in lordstown OH, was gold on gold, and i got a few more codes today...
the one on the quadrajet is 7040208_1A
0270


now as far as i can tell, this means:

70=before '76
40=1970
2=49-state emissions
0=chevy
8=auto tranny
1A or IA=customer code
027=27th day
0=year 1970

I also got a number from the back of the block next to the distributer it is 181988......what does that mean, and do i also have the rest of my info right??

thanks,

mike

Looks like you got the Q-jet info right. Check the FAQ section or http://www.wallaceracing.com/ for more info about the block code you stated, looks like it may be a part number.

Plus you can always look in the year one catalog.
For help deciphering codes.

thanks a bunch! the code by the dist. is apparently a date code, i know where to look for the partial VIN now

The number you read "181988" is actually 481988. It's the casting number of a 400 CID engine from 1971 through 1975.