Machina15

Hi, it's me again. I finnaly got my hands on the car(C3 1978).
I was trying to find out, if I still have factory block, but I couldn't find
engine plate ( it's supposed to be in front of the engine passanger side).
I guess it's no longer there.
Only thing I found, it was block number 3970010.

I was wondering if it's a crate engine(I wouldn't be suprised), or L48 could go with this number. BTW whole block is red, not blue as it was painted in factory.

Jig A Low

could be a rebuild that was decked, they usually manage to grind off the stampings the factory puts on the motor when the do it. without those numbers it going to be hard to tell if it's factory or not.

Machina15

Thanks. I can't complain on it because engine looks new, or even better.
I was just wondering if I can differ if it's 2 or 4-bolt main.

Alan 71

Hi m15,
I believe the 010 block is very common and was used for millions of engines.
The casting was machined for many, many configurations and hp specifications. L-48 was one of the many. The date code on the block will give you a clue as to whether the block MIGHT be appropriate for your car.
The 010 casting could be machined for 2 or 4 bolt main caps. If you remove the oil pan and take a peek you'll know whether you have 2 or 4 bolt main caps.
Regards,
Alan

Mike Ward

Yup.

scottyp99

There is no "plate", the numbers you are looking for are stamped into the block, on a flat spot right in front of the passenger's side head, it's actually the part of the deck surface that is not covered by the head. If the deck has been milled, those numbers are gone, gone, gone...clean this flat spot well and look for numbers.

Scott

Easy Mike

78 pad shown; on the block at the front of the passenger's head. AC compressor/AIR pump could make it hard to see.

Gale Banks 80'

The 010 Blocks were supposed to have a little bit more Nickel in the casting material. They were sometimes referred to as high Nickel Blocks. Wile this makes it sound like You have a really good high sought after Block what You have is one of the better production Blocks of the era. The Modern Aftermarket Blocks and GMPP Blocks have surpassed the 010's. This being said it could be 2 or 4 bolt. Take a look at the pictures above to try to find the serial Number, although I doubt that it is going to match if its still there. Better yet look at the Casting Date. Which its at the rear on the top on the right side where the Bell Housing bolts on. I'm going to bet its going to say early 70's.

Mike Ward

False. The myth has proven to be just that beyond any doubt.

Camivette

my 78 is a 010 L82

glen242

You are correct, but old myths die hard. Especially for people who own '10' or '10 20' blocks.

My 'High HP' '76 L48 (maybe stock 150 HP) had a 10-20 block as stock. I
am sure that GM knew it was going into a performance vehicle when they were casting the block. Yah, right!

Machina15

I don't have fancy things like AC/ air condition in my car (even steering aid is not connected to motor).
I will check once more, but I think it's no longer there.

Thanks guys for feedback , but I suppose I just got car that someone tried to restore, and went out of money.

BTW I have wired/fancy sticker, that it won prize of 500$ from The National Corvette Owners Association, catching and conviction thief that stole fellow member car.

Machina15

(sorry for doubling post)
Ok so I have checked Casting Date, but numbers are so blurry, it's hard to read.
I think it's like this:"1(or 4)1c8(it may be B)c" and then big letter S.

Also i saw big 40 number near GM logo on the driver side on the back.