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Fellas - I got a small block Chevy in a parts deal recently; it's said to have had a performance build, but that's all I know. Figured y'all might want to tag along as I figure out exactly what I have.
Plan is to go step-by-step and shoot a video for my YouTube channel. Figure I'll start with block casting number, front pad code, crank flange, and then proceed with disassembly.
The shape of the pad, plus the 18B..., 8 is 1978? Why isn't that engine blue? B is Baltimore, perhaps?
I guess I don't get it. But huge credit to you for posting the engine stamp. So many teaser tales of engines begin with a post like this, pages of speculation, no photos of an engine stamp, and then the original poster ghosts the Forum.
So a PO rebuilt it as a 383? Block casting 3970010 (350), from 1978 as far as I can tell, with a 400 crank? Perhaps it was repainted orange during the rebuild.
So a PO rebuilt it as a 383? Block casting 3970010 (350), from 1978 as far as I can tell, with a 400 crank? Perhaps it was repainted orange during the rebuild.
Are you pulling the heads and pan off, too?
Glad to see someone is paying attention! Yes, it's a 400 crank in a 350 block. Agree that it's a '78 block, appears to be a truck or van application, so likely 4 bolt. The plot thickens!
No numbers or manufacturer stamped on the end of the cam.
Heads are 487's (not 487X) - good smog era open chamber heads with 76cc chambers, 1.94/1.50 valves, H141 date code - that's August (H), 14th, 1971. I believe these heads got hardened seats after 1971, but I'm not sure if that's model year or calendar year. Anyway, it appears that these heads are not original to the block, which appears to be a 1978 casting.
Ok, now I'm confused. Engine was said to have aftermarket rods (Manley?) but I'm not seeing any indication of who manufactured these. There are a few letters and numbers cast into the rods, including a GHK. The rod bolts also appear to be aftermarket.
Small Block Mystery Motor
