[dburkinshaw19]

I have a 69 impala 2dr custom coup with a 350 from a 77 nova in it. block cast# is 3970010 with 010 nickle stamp, and I assume 2 bolt main since I havent pulled the pan yet. it has #883 76cc 1.94 smogg heads with an edelbrock preformer air gap (not rpm) and holley street avenger 670cfm carb with full tube headers and 2.5" exhaust hooked up to a th-350 and I don't know what rearend.

my plan is to replace the cylinder heads & cam, using the intake and carb I already have. I want to make as much streetable hp and torque as I can without worrying about my stock bottom end, although I am open to upgrading connecting rod bolts if I can do it with just pan removed.

I am on a budget, so i was looking at going to world products 67cc 2.02 sr torquer heads or something similar, rebuilt or new. I wanted to pair these with a 262 or 268 comp cams high or extreme energy cam/ lifters. however, I am open to whatever combustion chamber size (compression ratio really...) and cam will give me what im looking for. have not taken heads off yet to see what what type stock pistons are; deck height is; or what gasket size i need yet.

this car is primarily street driven, and probably won't see any more than 5500 to 5800 rpm at the very most.

I've been reading other posts here and you guys are very knowledgeable, any input you could share would be greatly appreciated.

[GenYnNC]

You are far from the limits of that bottom end even with stock rod bolts- with or without your upgrades.

[ericnova72]

It is RPM, not the amount of power made, that hurts parts. You are safe, it is going for 6500rpm+ on a regular basis could lead to problems.

[TroyBoy]

I have had many of that vintage engine apart and you will find dished pistons,lol.Put those heads on with the 268 or a 270 Comp cam and it make your Imp really fun to drive

[dburkinshaw19]

thanks for the imput guys, i'll have to explore my options for heads a little more closely before deciding what hp to go for.

[Custom10]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by dburkinshaw19

I have a 69 impala 2dr custom coup with a 350 from a 77 nova in it. block cast# is 3970010 with 010 nickle stamp, and I assume 2 bolt main since I havent pulled the pan yet.

That brings me to ask, I have had 2 0010 blocks both 4 bolt, I know they were cast both 2 and 4, maybe yours is a 4 bolt, you'd have a stronger bottom end if it were.

Wondering is there any discernable way to check the block exterior for any tell tale casting marks/numbers that give the 3970010 away as 2 or 4 bolt without pan removal,,,Anybody?

[Duntov]

[QUOTE=Custom10]

That brings me to ask, I have had 2 0010 blocks both 4 bolt, I know they were cast both 2 and 4, maybe yours is a 4 bolt, you'd have a stronger bottom end if it were.

Wondering is there any discernible way to check the block exterior for any tell tale casting marks/numbers that give the 3970010 away as 2 or 4 bolt without pan removal,,,Anybody?

I don't think there is. We bought junk trucks for years to get cores. 73 to 87 with 4 barrel I bat 90% maybe.

[Custom10]

OK thanks duntov

0010 were first cast for the 302/Z28 right, also in the 70/71 LT1 from what I know, those blocks must go for a pretty penny. Anyhow heading towards a highjack here, hope your build goes well for ya dburk, yeah lots of knowledge around here good luck.