[oldguy829]

I need some help ID ing this engine.
SBC with casting number 3970010.
definetly came out of an 84 Blazer - but I find this number as 69 - 79
Stamped on the front pad is V0380TJZ - 73 350ci?
Heads are cast with 333882 -
350 0r 400? 1.94 int and 1.5 exh with 76 cc. ?

This is a freebie from my son in laws dad. He says it has less than 10k since a rebuild. He saved it when the blazer was wrecked cause it was fresh and strong. Could I have misread these numbers?
anywho... what have I got? What would it take to punch this up into the 300 HP range?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

[mooneye777]

The www.mortec.com site says 350 motor used from 1969 to 1980, 2 or 4 bolt main

and the heads are, 333882.....74-80...350/400......76cc chambers

as far as 300 hp from this motor, it is very possible but not much more, the heads are a weak link in the project.

[oldguy829]

That's what I suspected. Can I get it up to 300hp cheap? Or should I replace the heads? If so, what would you recommend? Anything common in the yards I could find and rebuild, or am I better off buying a new set?
I've never rebuilt anything but stock - so talk to me like a 5 year old, when it comes to changing out heads, cams, etc.

[T-bucket23]

A set of rebuilt Vortecs and a decent manifold will probably get you close depending on what cam and pistons you have.

Chet

[oldguy829]

OK. Vortec heads.
What year / model car/truck/suv's had vortec heads? All fuel injected?
Any issues with putting them on this old block? do they require new intake manifolds or can they be run with a carb? does it need a new Cam?
sorry for all the questions, but I really want to build something, not just go to the chevy dealer and write a big check.

[SSedan64]

Originally Posted by oldguy829

OK. Vortec heads.
What year / model car/truck/suv's had vortec heads? All fuel injected?
Any issues with putting them on this old block? do they require new intake manifolds or can they be run with a carb? does it need a new Cam?
sorry for all the questions, but I really want to build something, not just go to the chevy dealer and write a big check.

The Vortec's are the best stock heads GM ever made that fit the GenI Small Block. They do require a Vortec style intake manifold and self guided rocker arms. They came on 96-99 GM trucks. If your not planning on a large cam they can be used in stock form, GM recommends no more than .450" lift without valve stem guide boss modifications. Measurements must be taken to insure there is enough clearance for more lift. The stock springs only have about 70lbs. seat pressure so don't go to wild with the cam. There are valve spring kits that allow around .550" lift with out head machining. Here's a little Info on them. Also just do a search on this site for Vortec Heads>

http://www.chevymania.com/tech/vortec.htm
http://www.2quicknovas.com/vortecheads.html

[oldguy829]

SSedan64 - thank you. That's what I was looking for. [I had a 99 Yukon - good power and decent MPG for a 6,000 pound vehicle. 295 HP I think]
The article wasn't clear (to me) about doing a stock swap. Can you set me straight here?
If I get a set of stock heads (96 - 99 GM vortec) with a stock cam (either the one in my engine, or from the donor) I will need the donor intake/fuel injection/computer etc. Or I can get aftermarket (Edelbrock) intake to use a 4 bbl carb.
How critical is the exhaust? I'm cramming this in an old Studebaker and there may be some clearance issues with the steering box. May have to go stock exhaust with the rear dump from my original engine.

If the above gets me close to 300 HP (275?) pushing a 700r4 in a 2800 pound car it should give me the decent power/gas mileage combo I'm looking for, right? [The Stude has a dana 44 rear end I can rebuild into a posi in the 331 to 373 range - still puzzling on that number]
Thanks for the help, don