Topic: Validating the w72 engine on a 78 trans am

[happy81724]

I just bought my first classic car and it's a real nice 1978 Gold Trans Am with the ws6 and w72 packages.  It came with a ton of original paperwork and doesn't need much.  I had a mutual friend help find it and on Wenesday he will take it to the shop to have his mechanic look at the engine.  The question I have is how do I validate the w72 engine.  I have done a ton of research but I can't get to the vin on the engine.  I found an A178 above the two spark plugs on passenger side but no idea what that means.  I was looking for the codes on there to validate the package.  The one reason I am a little concerned is the shaker doesn't have any decals which I read could be a L78 engine.  I am hoping all numbers match but just curious is there any easier way

[Wallington]

Many years on anything could have been swapped or added, paint jobs given, decals removed or never readded. What heads are on it, large casting code. Does it have chrome or blue valve covers? Is the aircleaner snorkel adaptor round end trumpet or has an adaptor and flat snorkel shape?

[happy81724]

Chrome valve covers...I took it to the shop today and it's the matching engine.  They said the shaker not having the decals could be a bunch of reasons but everything matches even the alternator.  Thankfully!

[Wallington]

Probably the best outcome!

[nakita7]

So where are the numbers?