The old blocks were high nickel. I believe 1979 and older. The sb can be identified by the dipstick located on the driver's side. The bb can be identified by the year stamped on the upper bell housing area.
The nickel content is under the timing chain cover, some have 10 20 indicating the use of tin and nickel, if only one 10 or 20 is on the block indicates the percentage of nickel, 10 - 1% 20 - 2%
Tin helped the cast iron flow easier into the casting mold, nickel hardens the casting. 10 20 blocks go back all the way to the 60`s. Gm seemed to do this less in the later years, in the late 70`s the blocks were thinner and the use of tin and nickel was a lot less common. Most 80`s blocks I`ve seen are the same way. I`ve read the 307 small block never came with tin or nickel, but I have a 10 20 307 block out of a 1969 truck.
The 400 block castings were 509, 511 and 814. The 511 block is the best one to get but majority of them are 4 bolts which are a tad weaker in the main area. 509 2-bolt blocks are a tad stronger than the the 511 4-bolts due to the 4-bolt weakening the main cap area. 814 blocks is the weakest block. If you come across a 511 block with 2-bolt mains that is in good condition, you got yourself a gem.
I have a 511 casting 400, it also has the 511 on the front of the block behind the timing cover. Does that mean anything or is it just referring to the casting number. I have a 014 casting 350 (two bolt) and the only number under the timing cover is 014. But I have a 010 casting 350 and it has a 010 and a 020 under the timing cover. I know what the 010 and 020 are supposed to mean on but what about the 014 and 511? Is that just a repeat of the casting number on the back of the block or does it mean something too?
the 010 ( the 3 digits of the casting #) blocks have 2% more nickel & 1% more tin
also like braceteer stated the dipstick wii be on the driver's side
i know it's hard to see the casting #'s while the engine is still in the car. so if you have one apart, right behind the timing chain cover and timing chain(on the 010 blocks i don't know about the others) there will be numbers stamped into the block. they will say 020 & 010. which means 2% more nickel & 1% more tin
Does the 010 on the back of the block (behind the flywheel) designate this too?
Rock on and God bless...
Señor
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Hot Rod Forum
2.2M posts
175.6K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to hot rod owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about restoration, builds, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!