Didn't want to hi-jack 62rdsters' thread about his motor, but I'm also trying to find out things about my 350 block. Here is what I've been able to find out.

* Block has been decked. No numbers on the pad.
* On back passenger side – C112 (This means it was cast on March 11 1972).
* On drivers side – 3970010 (69-79 185-370HP, 2 or 4 Main bolts, For car, truck or Vettes).
* Clock is on 3 of 10 points (meaning 3rd hour of the shift, also a SaginawBlock)
* Also has a T N D spread out in a triangle formation with a tear drop in the middle pointing at the T. Can some one tell me what this means?
* Next to the casting number, is a large GM with the numbers 29 befor the 'G' and at a right angle to it. Can some one tell me what this means?

My last question is my intake is a polished aluminum one with a Holly on top. No markings whats so ever. Will I need to post a picture to ID it?

Thanks

Bud.

 

What about the block? It is a good, common block, could be 2 or 4 bolt mains is probably the only thing that matters (and very little). Only way to tell is to pull the pan. I happen to have one out of a truck, waiting for a 383 stroker kit.

Post the Holley manifold. The only thing that matters with it is if it is single plane or dual plane. And of course if it fits under your hood! If you are going for originality, then it will have to go. If dual plane, keep it. JMHO

 

you have a good "high nickle" block.

 

I have one made at Mckinnon too. I've been told it is a sought after block for the same reason. What is a good used price range for it and why do people want them ? Thanks.

 

the 3970010 block in one of the blocks made with a high nickle content in the cast iron material,which the block is made of. Cast iron,has of course, many materials in the casting. The high nickle content is supposed to be one of the strongest blocks out there..thus reducing chance of cracks, ect. Most racers perfer these blocks,and will pick these over any others.The 3970010 (350)block came in two or four main bolt versions in 1969 thru 1980 cars,along with many other bolcks.If you have one,it is by chance. The 3970010 block also came as a 327 in some 1969,2 bolt, industrail trucks.Futhermore,it also came as a 302 in the 1969,4 bolt, Z-28 camaro.
One has to remove the oil pan to find out if its a two or four main bolt ,block most times. Sometimes,on the engine stamp pad,which is located on the passenger front side of the block,just where the heads meet the block, you can dechiper whats stamped there and get much need info. Mine has K01 22 Tax stamped there. Thinking "ah crap,what have I bought this time", i pulled it apart to find out its secretes. 4 bolt main,bored 30+,midium throw crank,both turned -20, Erson mild racing cam, AND..1965 double hump heads (461)..got lucky there..and an Elderblock manifold (tourquer 2). Worth? dont know ,but I paid 125 bucks for my running engine.Figure the heads are worth that alone.Where I didnt get lucky is the heads are 194s,shrug. hope this helps. Oh, the heads are for sale for 130 bucks.

 

The "GM 29" is the casing core it came from.

FYI, a two bolt block is worth more than a four bolt.

 

OK. I'll bite...why?

 

* Also has a T N D spread out in a triangle formation with a tear drop in the middle pointing at the T. Can some one tell me what this means?

I have the same thing on mine, except the point of the tear drop is towards the N. Anyone know what this means?

 

Scroll down thread to "Brian Berry" and read on, high nickel content?

http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10896

 

DUH...... you're probably right. And the clock would tell the time within the shift.

 

Splayed aftermarket caps.

 

The Brian Berry answer is incorrect; although each component of the casting pattern and core has a number (for foundry traceability), that's NOT what the "010 020" numbers mean on a 3970010 block. Those numbers indicate a higher percentage of tin (for machinability) and nickel (for a harder bore surface), and less than 10% of 010 blocks were cast from that alloy due to the cost increase, which didn't return the expected warranty cost reduction, and was cancelled.

 

Interesting information. I wonder if the different answer from Brian Berry may be attributed to when he actually worked at the foundry. Short of pulling my block and chem cleaning it, I guess I'll not know if my block is one of the (I guess early manufactored) 10% high nickel or not. My block was cast on March 11 (my birthday) 1972. My guess is that it would be borderline of the 10% cast.

Bottom line is it may not make any difference to me anyway - I just like knowing things.

Bud.

 

Can I throw another block question in? I have a 3970010 it's clamed to be the original from my Ex's 1970 1/2 Camaro. I know about the 010 blocks claims.

The block in my corvette is a 3970014........ Where did it come from??????????

 

I too say thanks. Alot of very good info has been posted.

 

He works in a GM foundry today, not 40 years ago; he's conversant with current GM foundry practices, not those in place decades ago, specifically the "010 020" situation that was unique to the 3970010 block.

 

John the " 010 or 020" mark is under the timing cover correct?

P.S. any idea where my 3970014 block came from?

 

The 014 is probably the second (after 010) most common 350 block.

To answer your question, anything.

 

OK, so it is not the block itself, but what can be done to it.

 

I have seen these blocks, a lot of them where cast in Mexico. There is a few problems with the early blocks. The cylinder banks are furture away at the back than at the front. We ran into an few like this in the 80's. Later blocks seem to be OK.