82 Engine Serial Number
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
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and I've experienced virtually same thing here, but not in quick reply; but more than once. Seems it typically happened after I'd paused and moved away to a different tab, and happened after my return
It seems, once I've begun using "Go Advanced-Preview Post", that if hasn't happened. Not sure of that either.
It seems, once I've begun using "Go Advanced-Preview Post", that if hasn't happened. Not sure of that either.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
@Rebelyell I actually came across a `96 Vortec engine that's complete and running in a truck about 40 miles from here. I've asked the seller to get the casting number from the block. His transmission is going out so he's putting a LS engine and transmission in the truck. The engine has about 40 psi oil pressure.
JT
JT
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
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@Rebelyell I actually came across a `96 Vortec engine that's complete and running in a truck about 40 miles from here. I've asked the seller to get the casting number from the block. His transmission is going out so he's putting a LS engine and transmission in the truck. The engine has about 40 psi oil pressure.
JT
JT
kinda early yet, but THAT sounds like a viable core. 40 psi on OE gage is good. Do suggest ya follow thru. What's Mileage ? Any noise or oil smoke? Asking $$ ?Be Advised: there ARE plenty '96 - up Vortec motors that are Not 5.7L aka 350ci --- GM made LOTSA 305 Vortec as well.
Block casting number 10243878 is 5.0L 305ci Vortec rpo L30 V8; also eighth character in VIN = "M" (personally, I wouldn't hang my hat on a 305. And 305 Vortec heads are Not same as for 350).
Block casting number 10243880 is 5.7L 350ci Vortec rpo L31 V8, also eighth character in VIN = "R"
FYI: Vortec has Raised casting numbers on sides of block And will typically be only last three digits (878 OR 880) AND (in relation to the ground) They ARE Upside-Down.
If ya get it, do grab All of it including all brackets, pulleys, PS pump, alternator, both intake & exhaust manifolds. Even if ya think ya won't use it, ya just might, or trade for something later. A "Good" condition lower intake w/little or no corrosion near coolant ports is valuable. No one not nobody offers new ones any more ! Even oil pan will probably fit your C3.
There is one potential drawback: Vortec takeouts usually do Not have a completed mount pad for mechanical fuel pump. Not an issue if using electric pump; But can be completed for mech pump.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
@Rebelyell The 8th character in the vin is R so it's a 350 and it has 50k miles on it. I'm going to look at it today. He's asking $800 for it and I'm going to offer $600.
JT
JT
Drifting
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So seller gonna install BOTH ls Motor And ls Trans ?
If yes, suggest get truck's trans & its converter as well. It should be a 4L60E (that's "E")... similar to 700R4 in your '82, but requires a controller.
Get that trans too; use it or sell/trade it.
Engines do get swapped for a variety of reasons; strongly suggest Verify block is cn 880.
If ya do get that low-mile motor, first thing I'd probably do is pull Both heads and have your favorite local auto machine shop check them closely for any leaks and/or cracks.
If heads' prognosis all AOK, suggest send them out to be cryogenic treated. As you've heard, Vortec heads are crack-prone. Cryo surely toughens them up and helps to prevent cracking.
Many suppliers to Heavy-Duty markets, sell new HD Vortec L31 with heads already cryo AND sell separate new heads cryo too.
If yes, suggest get truck's trans & its converter as well. It should be a 4L60E (that's "E")... similar to 700R4 in your '82, but requires a controller.
Get that trans too; use it or sell/trade it.
Engines do get swapped for a variety of reasons; strongly suggest Verify block is cn 880.
If ya do get that low-mile motor, first thing I'd probably do is pull Both heads and have your favorite local auto machine shop check them closely for any leaks and/or cracks.
If heads' prognosis all AOK, suggest send them out to be cryogenic treated. As you've heard, Vortec heads are crack-prone. Cryo surely toughens them up and helps to prevent cracking.
Many suppliers to Heavy-Duty markets, sell new HD Vortec L31 with heads already cryo AND sell separate new heads cryo too.
