I have what is supposed to be a 1997 Chevy Vortec 5.7 but Im trying to make sure. My question is where would the vin number be located?? I have been searching on wikipedia and found some info like the 8th character of the vin is the engine code. Also that if the 8th digit is R then it is a vortec 5.7 that I have, so with that being said where should the 17 digit vin number be located??:homer:

My knowledge of this subject dates back to 60's and 70's model years. Ok, the casting number is on the rear of the block and tells you when it was cast. On the passenger front there's a pad right below the head. Here's where the assembly code is stamped. This tells when the motor was built and what it is. Years ago, not all models received Vin #'s. Only Camaro's and Corvettes as this was a tedious task. Most Vin's were stamped on that front Pad, but some models were stamped on a pad down by the oil filter, but this was years ago.
Why don't you pull off a valve cover, find the number and go to www.mortec.com and see if they're Vortec heads, or just look at the intake manifold bolts. Do the go straight down? If yes, then they're Vortec.

Is the motor in a vehicle? If it's not, I think that the casting number will be on the passenger side of the bellhousing flange like Mr Willys said. That is usually a better number to refrence, IMO.

The easest way to ID it is the Votec heads. The bolts for the intake face stright down vs the slant of the others. And the block has the mech fuel pump pad not drilled its solid.

Most of the GM efi blocks have either a 5.0 or 5.7 cast in the top left bellhousing flange by the casting number.

Everyone is right in how they would identify it properly, but the VIN is located on a little panel on the dash on the driver's side. If you look through the windshield you'll see it. A Vortec small block is easily identified just by looking at the intake, but it will take a little more investigation to see if it is a 5.0 or a 5.7. If the motor hasn't been swapped the VIN is a 5 second check.