Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChevyTough · 04-26-2006, 02:05 PM

I just bought 3 engine blocks yesterday at an auction. I looked them up on Mortec.com and got the following.

Here's the numbers off of them:
3979014 - I think I read it wrong and that 9 should have been a 0.
3970010
3959532

The first is a 350(good) if that 9 is actually a 0.

The second says it could be a 302, 327, or a 350. How do I tell which it is?

The third is a 283. Can this be built to make decent HP? Is it the same block as the 327? I don't know anything about 283's.

Thanks a bunch!

Myself · 04-26-2006, 02:15 PM

If you'll post the stamped in numbers off the front pad on the block I can help you.

ChevyTough · 04-26-2006, 02:19 PM

Hmm....didn't get those. I'll go see if I can get 'em real quick.

ChevyTough · 04-26-2006, 03:26 PM

Okay, I must be blind. Where are the numbers you're looking for at? And are they raised or stamped?

**John Fabris** · 04-26-2006, 03:35 PM

They are stamped into a small pad just in front of the passenger side head. ( The opposite corner from the engine number at the back of the driver side head)

**pound41** · 04-26-2006, 03:35 PM

On the front side passenger side deck. Where the head would mount there will be an extra flat pad. On that pad would be a code. For instance the the block that could be a 350/302/327. You would see something like DZ1708. DZ is the code for 302 so that with the block # would mean a 302, other number are month/date etc. Our truck blocks I think have 3 letters all starting with T I think. Don't quote me its been a while since I have looked at that stuff. But thats a ballpark view

ChevyTough · 04-26-2006, 03:37 PM

Ohh, okay. Thanks guys. I never realized there was a number there. I'll go look again.

I'll post back in 10 or 20 minutes.

ChevyTough · 04-26-2006, 03:59 PM

Okay, the first one didn't have a number. It looks like the surface was machined and that took the number off. CRAP.

The second one looked like CE0A425. With 42 a little to the right.

The third looked like CE0A188. With 96 a little off to the right.

Myself · 04-26-2006, 05:15 PM

Those numbers don't seem right to me. Possibly partial VIN numbers or something. It should look something like this...F0328TKM.

Berryman69 · 04-26-2006, 06:15 PM

Hope this helps....

These numbers are block casting numbers.
3970014 -1970-73 350ci LA built Camaro

3970010 -1969-79 350ci car, truck, Vette

3959532 - 1956-67 283ci

This is according to http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#cdate

ChevyTough · 04-26-2006, 07:10 PM

How do you know the 3970010 is a 350 and not a 327?

I also read on some website that the CE meant it was a crate engine.

Blue85 · 04-26-2006, 07:33 PM

Measuring the bore diameter should tell you.

Berryman69 · 04-26-2006, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyTough

How do you know the 3970010 is a 350 and not a 327?

I also read on some website that the CE meant it was a crate engine.

I have a block with the same casting number and it came from a wrecked '68 vette. Mine has the four bolt mains. As posted earlier check out this website. The page that opens gives the info.

http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#cdate

George

ChevyTough · 04-26-2006, 10:56 PM

Alright, thanks a lot everyone! This really helped out a lot. Now I just need to tear the bottom end out of both 350's and see if they're 2 or 4 bolt mains.

What is best to pour in cylinders to loosen up the pistons? I've heard either Coca Cola or diesel will work.

boogie67 · 04-26-2006, 10:56 PM

So did our trucks with that #3970010 come with 4 bolt mains?I just pulled one out of a 71 and it has 4 bolt mains on it.

junkyardjohn · 04-27-2006, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogie67

So did our trucks with that #3970010 come with 4 bolt mains?I just pulled one out of a 71 and it has 4 bolt mains on it.

DIDN'T ALL 67-72 TRUCKS COME WITH A 4 BOLT MAIN?? IT SEEMS THAT EVERYONE I'VE PULLED APART, OVER THE YEARS HAS BEEN A 4/BOLT. I JUST ASSUMED THAT THEY ALL CAME FROM THE FACTORY THAT WAY.

JOHN

ChevyTough · 04-27-2006, 10:55 AM

I'm pretty sure all the 67-72 truck 350's had 4 bolt mains.

*Medicanman71* · 04-27-2006, 11:01 AM

I'm no motor head but i was under the assumption that the truck 350s from 67-72 were 4 bolts...

Voodooracer · 04-27-2006, 12:18 PM

The 283 is a fun motor. Not much TQ but lots of power and high RPM's. The 283 I built 10 yrs ago was the funniest motor in a 68 Longbed and a 4 speed. If you want fun. build the 283.

Chevrolet4x4s · 04-27-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue85

Measuring the bore diameter should tell you.

Both are 4.00'' bore
Shane

Chevrolet4x4s · 04-27-2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyTough

Alright, thanks a lot everyone! This really helped out a lot. Now I just need to tear the bottom end out of both 350's and see if they're 2 or 4 bolt mains.

What is best to pour in cylinders to loosen up the pistons? I've heard either Coca Cola or diesel will work.

PB BLASTER might also work.Also have heard that drilling out a spark plug adapting an air hose fitting to it threading it in and hooking up high pressure air to it will break a stuck engine loose.
Shane

mrjs80 · 04-27-2006, 01:02 PM

Marvins "Mystery oil"

junkyardjohn · 04-27-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjs80

Marvins "Mystery oil"

I THINK YOU MEAN "MARVELS MYSTERY OIL" JOHN

Chevrolet4x4s · 04-27-2006, 10:38 PM

Yeah that stuff is a mechanical cure all

Shane

04-26-2006, 02:05 PM	#1
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! I just bought 3 engine blocks yesterday at an auction. I looked them up on Mortec.com and got the following. Here's the numbers off of them: 3979014 - I think I read it wrong and that 9 should have been a 0. 3970010 3959532 The first is a 350(good) if that 9 is actually a 0. The second says it could be a 302, 327, or a 350. How do I tell which it is? The third is a 283. Can this be built to make decent HP? Is it the same block as the 327? I don't know anything about 283's. Thanks a bunch!

04-26-2006, 02:15 PM	#2
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,128	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! If you'll post the stamped in numbers off the front pad on the block I can help you.

04-26-2006, 03:26 PM	#4
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Okay, I must be blind. Where are the numbers you're looking for at? And are they raised or stamped? __________________ 72 Chevy C10 longbed 350/350 86 Chevy K10 short-stepside, daily driver 63 Galaxie 2 door sedan 260/3 speed - basket case 72 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (good box and A/C cab) 70 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (decent box) 66 El Camino 327/Powerglide (extreme rust) 61 Bel Air, no drivetrain, sittin' in the pasture 71 F250, 72 F150, 70 F100 - parts

04-26-2006, 03:35 PM	#5
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! They are stamped into a small pad just in front of the passenger side head. ( The opposite corner from the engine number at the back of the driver side head) __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB

04-26-2006, 03:35 PM	#6
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,269	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! On the front side passenger side deck. Where the head would mount there will be an extra flat pad. On that pad would be a code. For instance the the block that could be a 350/302/327. You would see something like DZ1708. DZ is the code for 302 so that with the block # would mean a 302, other number are month/date etc. Our truck blocks I think have 3 letters all starting with T I think. Don't quote me its been a while since I have looked at that stuff. But thats a ballpark view

04-26-2006, 02:19 PM	#3
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Hmm....didn't get those. I'll go see if I can get 'em real quick. __________________ 72 Chevy C10 longbed 350/350 86 Chevy K10 short-stepside, daily driver 63 Galaxie 2 door sedan 260/3 speed - basket case 72 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (good box and A/C cab) 70 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (decent box) 66 El Camino 327/Powerglide (extreme rust) 61 Bel Air, no drivetrain, sittin' in the pasture 71 F250, 72 F150, 70 F100 - parts

04-26-2006, 03:37 PM	#7
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Ohh, okay. Thanks guys. I never realized there was a number there. I'll go look again. I'll post back in 10 or 20 minutes. __________________ 72 Chevy C10 longbed 350/350 86 Chevy K10 short-stepside, daily driver 63 Galaxie 2 door sedan 260/3 speed - basket case 72 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (good box and A/C cab) 70 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (decent box) 66 El Camino 327/Powerglide (extreme rust) 61 Bel Air, no drivetrain, sittin' in the pasture 71 F250, 72 F150, 70 F100 - parts

04-26-2006, 03:59 PM	#8
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Okay, the first one didn't have a number. It looks like the surface was machined and that took the number off. CRAP. The second one looked like CE0A425. With 42 a little to the right. The third looked like CE0A188. With 96 a little off to the right. __________________ 72 Chevy C10 longbed 350/350 86 Chevy K10 short-stepside, daily driver 63 Galaxie 2 door sedan 260/3 speed - basket case 72 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (good box and A/C cab) 70 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (decent box) 66 El Camino 327/Powerglide (extreme rust) 61 Bel Air, no drivetrain, sittin' in the pasture 71 F250, 72 F150, 70 F100 - parts Last edited by ChevyTough; 04-26-2006 at 04:00 PM.

04-26-2006, 05:15 PM	#9
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,128	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Those numbers don't seem right to me. Possibly partial VIN numbers or something. It should look something like this...F0328TKM.

04-26-2006, 06:15 PM	#10
Berryman69 Are we having fun yet? Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Exeter CA Posts: 11	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Hope this helps.... These numbers are block casting numbers. 3970014 -1970-73 350ci LA built Camaro 3970010 -1969-79 350ci car, truck, Vette 3959532 - 1956-67 283ci This is according to http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#cdate __________________ '69 GMC - my driver 292, New Process 435 '01 Camry - family car '04 John Deere Last edited by Berryman69; 04-26-2006 at 06:17 PM.

04-26-2006, 07:10 PM	#11
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! How do you know the 3970010 is a 350 and not a 327? I also read on some website that the CE meant it was a crate engine. __________________ 72 Chevy C10 longbed 350/350 86 Chevy K10 short-stepside, daily driver 63 Galaxie 2 door sedan 260/3 speed - basket case 72 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (good box and A/C cab) 70 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (decent box) 66 El Camino 327/Powerglide (extreme rust) 61 Bel Air, no drivetrain, sittin' in the pasture 71 F250, 72 F150, 70 F100 - parts Last edited by ChevyTough; 04-26-2006 at 07:21 PM.

04-26-2006, 07:33 PM	#12
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,171	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Measuring the bore diameter should tell you. __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

04-26-2006, 10:56 PM	#14
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Alright, thanks a lot everyone! This really helped out a lot. Now I just need to tear the bottom end out of both 350's and see if they're 2 or 4 bolt mains. What is best to pour in cylinders to loosen up the pistons? I've heard either Coca Cola or diesel will work. __________________ 72 Chevy C10 longbed 350/350 86 Chevy K10 short-stepside, daily driver 63 Galaxie 2 door sedan 260/3 speed - basket case 72 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (good box and A/C cab) 70 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (decent box) 66 El Camino 327/Powerglide (extreme rust) 61 Bel Air, no drivetrain, sittin' in the pasture 71 F250, 72 F150, 70 F100 - parts Last edited by ChevyTough; 04-26-2006 at 10:57 PM.

04-26-2006, 10:56 PM	#15
boogie67 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: waco tx Posts: 584	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! So did our trucks with that #3970010 come with 4 bolt mains?I just pulled one out of a 71 and it has 4 bolt mains on it. __________________ 77 swb starting all over again.

04-27-2006, 10:55 AM	#17
ChevyTough Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! I'm pretty sure all the 67-72 truck 350's had 4 bolt mains. __________________ 72 Chevy C10 longbed 350/350 86 Chevy K10 short-stepside, daily driver 63 Galaxie 2 door sedan 260/3 speed - basket case 72 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (good box and A/C cab) 70 Chevy C10 longbed - parts (decent box) 66 El Camino 327/Powerglide (extreme rust) 61 Bel Air, no drivetrain, sittin' in the pasture 71 F250, 72 F150, 70 F100 - parts



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04-27-2006, 11:01 AM	#18
Medicanman71 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Where the Wild Things Are Posts: 696	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! I'm no motor head but i was under the assumption that the truck 350s from 67-72 were 4 bolts... Last edited by Medicanman71; 04-27-2006 at 11:01 AM.

04-27-2006, 12:18 PM	#19
Voodooracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 32	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! The 283 is a fun motor. Not much TQ but lots of power and high RPM's. The 283 I built 10 yrs ago was the funniest motor in a 68 Longbed and a 4 speed. If you want fun. build the 283.

04-27-2006, 01:02 PM	#22
mrjs80 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 62	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Marvins "Mystery oil"

04-27-2006, 10:38 PM	#24
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Bought 3 engine blocks - little help please! Yeah that stuff is a mechanical cure all Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

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