I know this area has been talked about in the past but I just picked up a 68 Caprice and it has a BB 396 installed with an engine code stamped on the front deck as follows T0926IV then the VIN.  The build sheet under the front seat shows a engine code of IVL35.  The Air Breather shows a 396 with a turbo-ram 385 HP.  This car has but 7350 documented miles on it.  I don't think that the 396 came with a 385 HP but I can not find out what these codes all mean.  Any help would be great.  

The "T" is for the Tonowanda engine plant, then a date code (month/week it was built), then the IV suffix. IV was used from 65 to 68 on the 396 mated to a 3spd auto trans. Your RPO code L35 is for 65-69 396 325HP 4bbl carb, Holley or Qjet after 67, low lift hydraulic cam, small port iron heads, 10.25 comp ratio, 2 bolt mains, forged crankshaft. How's that?  

That's great.  Thanks for the come back.  Now I can but this issue to bed and get on with other things.  Thanks again.  

I have a 396 block and I am trying to figure out exactly what it is. The cast # is3855961 and the ID # is T0428LB. If anyone out there can help, that would be great. Thank you.  

Another thing I forgot, on the front of the block is Pass Hi Perf 3, and the date code is d215.  

I have a 396 2-bolt main block, and I was trying to figure out the horsepower on it?!?  The casting number is 3969854 and the the number by the timing cover is CE156300.  The casting date is A26 70...and the block is stamped High Performance.  Can someone please tell me what the block is....L-34 or L-35?  Thanks!!  

Sorry lourens, did not see yours. Looks like you have a 65' 396 325hp 2bolt. gonzalesjg, you have a 69-72 402. The "CE" indicates a warranty engine.  

...thanks for the heads-up, so does that mean that the block is an L-35?  Forgive my ignorance on the matter but I am used to mopar.  Although, I have an El Camino I am restoring, and I am getting, or trying, to get familar with Chevy.  One more thing, what does it mean "warrant engine", was that a replacement engine?

Thanks again,  

Could have been used for RPO L35 or more likely LS3 due to the use of that RPO in more model years. If you go by the HP numbers from 1970, the 402 ranged from 330, 350, to 375. In case you are not aware, late 69 to early 70 the 396 was changed to a .030 overbore version, hence the 402. Due to the popularity of the 396, they were still badged 396. In parts manuals and the like, they can be refered to as a 400 4BBL while the small block 400 is refered to as a 400 2BBL. And yes, looks like it was a warranty exchange engine.