Re: what year is my 4.3l
Nope. No more than you can tell what year a Rock was formed by looking at it. You need the castings; without them, you're just looking at a hunk of iron that you know was made within the last 25 years.
There should be a number stamped on the block on top of the engine, on a pad in front of the left head. This will give you pretty good general information on the block. The other main number you want is on the back right side of the engine, right in front of the bellhousing (still on the top of the block).
Head casting numbers are under the valve covers, cast into the area between the valves and valvespring studs.
They're easy to find, when you know where to look.
Why exactly are you needing to know the year?
