Engine Identification

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mtnmankev

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Wow,
160 HP from a 350 doesn't even sound worth the effort.
And as heavy as our trucks are with real steel, we need the power to get us down the road and do work.
For some reason, I always thought the 350 would produce around 200 to 250 in stock form.
 

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Not unless it was in something flashy. That's why the diesels were pretty comparable for their time.
 

RetroC10Sport

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Wow,
160 HP from a 350 doesn't even sound worth the effort.
And as heavy as our trucks are with real steel, we need the power to get us down the road and do work.
For some reason, I always thought the 350 would produce around 200 to 250 in stock form.

You also have to realize that is NET HP. That's with all accessories and taken at the wheels. GROSS HP would be straight HP and is probably around 200-250.
 

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well everybody seems to think that the 3970010 blocks are good blocks to build with so I guess ill stick it in a corner somewhere for later. Thanks Retro
 

mtnmankev

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That's the casting number on my 383 stroker, has been running strong for 14 years and has over 70,000 HARD WORK miles on it.
 

firebane

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well everybody seems to think that the 3970010 blocks are good blocks to build with so I guess ill stick it in a corner somewhere for later. Thanks Retro

Apparently the 010 refers to the block having something like 1% tin or something and if you have a 020 its 2% nickel.

I'm still learning all this stuff myself.
 

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So I have a Target Master HO 350. I got to say for a stock engine it sure has some get up and go!

Anyway I was searching my pics and came across a pic I took of the casting #s and it says mexico 3970010

You must be registered for see images attach
 
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Apparently the 010 refers to the block having something like 1% tin or something and if you have a 020 its 2% nickel.

I'm still learning all this stuff myself.

I read some where that those numbers are to be found behind the timing cover.
 

Chaz

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So to check if an engine is numbers matching look at the pad behind the alternator for last 6 of vin correct??
 

firebane

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So to check if an engine is numbers matching look at the pad behind the alternator for last 6 of vin correct??

Correct. If the pad matches your vin it should be the original engine. The problem is for example my truck.. Being that its a 40 year old truck its VERY seldom that a vehicle will have an original engine unless they did it properly and rebuilt it.
 

firebane

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So I am going to add a bit more to this thread... I stumbled up on this thread (http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7513) which then had me stumble upon this page (http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Timing_tabs_and_damper_TDC_lines_SBC) and reading this again STILL has me confused LOL.

The damper used from 1969 to about 1984 has the TDC line at the 2 o’clock position- or 10º before the keyway. You'll find that aftermarket dampers are the 10º type, as are the bolt-on tabs sold by the aftermarket, unless they're adjustable.
Warning Note: This includes the SBC 400, although the 400 damper is counterweighted because the engine is externally balanced, and the 1985-present 4.3L V6 with its respective 6.75" damper (raised outer lip) that has both a 2 o'clock and a 4 o'clock position (for some vans eg. G-series, Express, and Astro/Safari). Do not mix and match internal and external balanced dampers!
A third timing mark was used from (some) 1978 to about 1995, and nearly all 1984-1995 (exc for 1985-present 4.3L V6 and van applications). It is at the 12 o’clock position- or 40º before the keyway. This damper uses a timing cover that has the tab welded on at about the 12 o'clock position - the timing covers with this setup had either the 6.75" (305 and pre-1985 90 degree V6) or 8" (350/5.7 only). Professional Products lists the years for this type damper line as being 1984-1995 and is a 6-3/4” diameter damper.

So if my timing tab is at 12 o'clock and welded on then that is correct but if its a bolt on timing tab it should be at 2 o'clock. If it is in fact supposed to be at 2 o'clock I wonder how far out the timing is on my truck LOL..
 

firebane

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Got the one head off today.. Bore = 4.00 . Guess its a 350 .. yeee.

So now it'll be a process of cleaning the heads and re-re the valves and valve seals.

Looked at two lifters and the one wasn't too bad but the other looked like someone took a hammer to it.
 

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