Just wondering if looking at a 348 and 409 engine, is there any outward difference that is different between the two engines. I had not had a chance to get the casting numbers yet.
The dip stick is on the right on the 409 and left on 348 but the pans are interchangeable so it might not be an accurate indicator.
If the engine is out of the car, look at the crank, where the flywheel bolts on. If it's round, it's a 348, if it's D shaped, a 409.
348 have orange valve covers and 409 's had sliver or chorme, if you don't have a list of #'s i look at the casting date on the heads if it's 58 -60 you know it's a 348 or 62 -65 it's 409 ,61 more than likly it's a 348 but check it out, i bought a 348 with 409 pan and chrome covers at a swap meet and everyboby that walked by and looked at it thought it was a 409 just because of the pan and covers
Can't determine based on dipstick location. The only accurate method of determination on an assembled engine is the casting number. While the crankshaft flange is a good indicator on what's likely to be a stock engine, it obviously won't work for those that have had the 409 crank installed in a 348, or a BBC crank installed in either.