[MalibuCajun]

I just picked up a chevy 350 4 bolt w/ cast number 3970010. I know there are several different cast numbers for 350's. Is this one of the better blocks? Thanks, MC

[HotRodF100]

Good luck narrowing it down to exactly what you have. The number that you stated was a common one used on a 302, 327, and 350. In a 350 it ranges in HP from 185 to 370. it was used from 1969-79 and was put in a car, truck, or a Vette. The same number was also used on the 2 bolt engines. I have run into the same situation with a few motor numbers. You can look at these websites: www.prestage.com <a href="http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#ecode]www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#ecode[/URL]

Good Luck!

[HotRodS10]

MalibuCajun is my brother....we ran the cast number on the crank that was originally in the motor and its a 350. The 327 only came in a 2 bolt, I think. The question was directed more towards the metal content.

[reddwarf]

metal content is addressed by one or two numbers under the timing cover.

There you will find possibly a "010" a "020" or both. Both means 10% tin in the block and 20% nickel. THis is the most desirable block.

IF there is only ONE number (010 or 020) this number refers to the content of nickel with only trace amts of tin.

No numbers under the timing cover means trace amts of both nickel and tin. THese blocks almost always need boring, in my experience.

[HotRodS10]

reddwarf....thank you very much, that was the answer we were looking for. Its 12:00 midnight here but after reading your reply I had to know what was under that timing cover so I went out to my truck (the block is still in the back of my truck, havent unloaded it yet) with a flashlight and found the 010 and 020. I'll sleep well tonight. Thanks again for clearing that up. HRS10