hey,how you guys doin? i just picked up a 1999 350 chevy short block from a 1ton van,how do i tell if it;s a ls? it;s got a composite timming cover, 4boltmain with windage tray,and an oilcooler fittings in the filter adapter.i'm hoping to put it in my 72 montecarlo, if i could use my existing parts[heads,intake,dist.,ect.].  

It is a Vortec engine, not a LS motor.  You will be able to drop it right in your Monte.  It probably does not have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump so you will need to run and electric pump.  Also you will want to get a vortec style carburated intake - available from Edelbrock.  Make sure you run the flexplate from the Vortec as it is extrenally balanced on the rear.  

your right it's a vortec 350, all i have is the short block so could i bolt up my sportsmen two's and dart intake,and could i use a metal timming cover in place of the composite one[it's got a sensor ring on the crank,in front of the chain]also what inexpensive roller cam would drop in,my last 355 had a comp.magnum 280 with 1.6 rockers.  thanks this is my very first attempt at assem. a motor, i need all the help i can get......  

You can remove the sensor ring to use a regular double roller timing chain on it.  For a cam, what kind of gear/stall/carb do you have?  

i've got a 700r4 w/3200rpm lockup stall,12 boltmoroso brute strength posi,moser axels w/411's, 750 vac.sec.,chokehorn removed,jet extentions,notched float.  

i think i'm gonna reuse the rollercam that i've got,it's not to week and with my 1.6's it should do for now,since i'm on a tight budget..thanks