Engine ID Help
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
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From: Westland MI
Engine ID Help
1987 coupe
I was looking to see what spark plugs were in my car, when i notice light surface rust on the heads.
Newer head bolts and light surface rust on the block that match the heads.
Bells went off the My Heads arent Alum.
I called the guy I bought it from.
He said He had a New GM Crate engine put in a couple years ago.
Is there anyway to ID the engine and heads?
He claims it was suspose to be 330hp crate engine.
If so i wonder what it would be with the TPI setting on top?
I was looking to see what spark plugs were in my car, when i notice light surface rust on the heads.
Newer head bolts and light surface rust on the block that match the heads.
Bells went off the My Heads arent Alum.
I called the guy I bought it from.
He said He had a New GM Crate engine put in a couple years ago.
Is there anyway to ID the engine and heads?
He claims it was suspose to be 330hp crate engine.
If so i wonder what it would be with the TPI setting on top?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
1987 coupe
I was looking to see what spark plugs were in my car, when i notice light surface rust on the heads.
Newer head bolts and light surface rust on the block that match the heads.
Bells went off the My Heads arent Alum.
I called the guy I bought it from.
He said He had a New GM Crate engine put in a couple years ago.
Is there anyway to ID the engine and heads?
He claims it was suspose to be 330hp crate engine.
If so i wonder what it would be with the TPI setting on top?
I was looking to see what spark plugs were in my car, when i notice light surface rust on the heads.
Newer head bolts and light surface rust on the block that match the heads.
Bells went off the My Heads arent Alum.
I called the guy I bought it from.
He said He had a New GM Crate engine put in a couple years ago.
Is there anyway to ID the engine and heads?
He claims it was suspose to be 330hp crate engine.
If so i wonder what it would be with the TPI setting on top?
I recall reading something like this and it sounds likely. The base performance 290HP was cast iron heads "peripheral" bolted valve covers, the 330HP package is identified similarly "except" with center bolt valve covers and the 350HP package had aluminum vs cast iron cylinder heads with center bolt valve covers. Now there is also a very basic 195HP package also.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jan 14, 2013 at 10:14 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The numbers may be hard to see with the A/C compressor in place. Try using a bright flashlight and look down behind the compressor. Original engines will have the last 8 digits of the VIN stamped there too.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
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From: Westland MI
Check the cylinder head pad on the right side just as you would do with any SBC
I recall reading something like this and it sounds likely. The base performance 290HP was cast iron heads "peripheral" bolted valve covers, the 330HP package is identified similarly "except" with center bolt valve covers and the 350HP package had aluminum vs cast iron cylinder heads with center bolt valve covers. Now there is also a very basic 195HP package also.
I recall reading something like this and it sounds likely. The base performance 290HP was cast iron heads "peripheral" bolted valve covers, the 330HP package is identified similarly "except" with center bolt valve covers and the 350HP package had aluminum vs cast iron cylinder heads with center bolt valve covers. Now there is also a very basic 195HP package also.
it has center bolt valve covers
the casting number is 14093638
i cant find anything on the front, to many pipes,plugs,wires and air conditioning are in the way.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The casting number points to an 88-94 350 block, could be either a 2 or 4-bolt main, roller cam (can also bea flat-tappet cam) and one-piece seal. It's a pretty generic crate motor but the heads would make the difference.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Westland MI
Team Owner
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Posts: 25,394
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Are valve covers chrome?
Here's a PDF for the earlier: http://www.chevroletperformance.com/...lock_specs.pdf
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jan 14, 2013 at 02:32 PM.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
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From: Westland MI
I mentioned the base "crate" 350 so that it's mentioned. It is/was an option. I can't see under your hood. With cast-iron heads and center bolt valve covers you would be safe to assume it's the 330HP version that is currently part #'d as 19210007 There were previous part #s I'm quite sure, 12486041 I believe. The PO you would think might have the invoice.
Are valve covers chrome?
Here's a PDF for the earlier: http://www.chevroletperformance.com/...lock_specs.pdf
Are valve covers chrome?
Here's a PDF for the earlier: http://www.chevroletperformance.com/...lock_specs.pdf
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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Just shows any reg '87 engine.
Only way to identify what it might be is from the head casting # and the codes stamped on the block pad under the A/c compressor
As previously noted your block casting # was used for many combos ; both factory fitted and for off the shelf crate engines
Only way to identify what it might be is from the head casting # and the codes stamped on the block pad under the A/c compressor
As previously noted your block casting # was used for many combos ; both factory fitted and for off the shelf crate engines
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1. The owner mentioned engine replacement with 330HP crate. I would guess as I mentioned earlier, I would think he would have retained invoicing. Did he? Don't know! You've been told where to look for as much information as there might likely be available. There's also no guarantee that there will be information there either. An alternate location for engine information would be on the engine block in the vicinity of the oil filter, either vertically up the bell-housing mating area or possibly left to right on the oil pan mounting rail forward of the filter.
2. You also "wondered" about the potential with TPI. You can solve for your-self with your particular car - the machine is called a Dyno!
I gave you a link to the service parts for an original part#'d 330HP GMPP engine, the balance of the research is yours. I asked if it had chrome covers because best I recall it's the way that combination might have been delivered 2 - 4 years ago. The PO likely changed to the original covers, I believe most here would have also.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jan 14, 2013 at 07:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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From: Westland MI
Thank you for all the information.
If I get done with all my projects on the car this winter, maybe I'll
Have enough time to pull the ac off to see.
a dyno would be a lot of fun.
If I get done with all my projects on the car this winter, maybe I'll
Have enough time to pull the ac off to see.
a dyno would be a lot of fun.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
Look first at the oil pan rail and bell-housing mating area before removing the A/C etc just because your curiosity has gotten you. You can create unheard of issues when you start removing engine front-end drive components. Leave well enough alone!