Just bought a nice clean 78 El Camino. The casting # on the block is 3970010. This is a generic 350 right? I understood a 78 would only have a 267,305 or a six. Thanks for any info.

You could still get the 350 in 78.

Try this site to look up your casting number.

http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm

Thanks. Checked out the site. Must be a 350. Last 9 # of the VIN are stamped on the front of the motor near the alternater. Must be the original 350. Got it for $2900. Rust free AZ Vehicle. Loaded, Runs great. High miles, bad interior.

Wile E, to find out what original engine came in your ELk, the Vin codes are as follows for 1977-1982.
L6 250cid code D
V6 200cid code M
V6 229cid code K
V6 231cid code A,Z,3
V8 267cid code J
V8 305cid code H,U
V8 350cid code L

1972-1980 the 5th digit of the Vin identifies the origin of the engine. 1981-1987 its the 8th digit of the Vin.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info