[OldGoat]

We are currently researching a 383 build. We are currently looking for a 350 block and a set of heads. Which castings would you recommend for this build. We are looking for the most bang for our bucks. This power plant will be installed in a weekend warrior, however we would like to stay gas only and street legal. Thank you for your advice.

[baddbob]

0010 - referring to the last four casting numbers is a common block that came in 2 and 4 bolt designs and is strong, look for one that has the numbers 020 cast in the timing chain area as it is higher in nickle and stronger. The higher nickle blocks also seem to have better castings with less porosity.

[Deuce]

As a Moderator here, I would like to
WELCOME YOU to Hotrodders.com.

The 010 casting number is a good one ...
Here is a photo showing where the various casting numbers and stampings are ...



Again ...WELCOME

Deuce ...

[nitro_baller4692]

an 010 block,aluminum heads so you can run more compression and still use pump gas.some of these other guy's and gals who have built these combinations would probabley have a good cam selection for you.learn from there trials and errors.

[DoubleVision]

If it were me I would use a 880 block, and why is because they come with a factory roller cam and a 1 piece rear main seal instead of the leak prone 2 piece design. These blocks also come with a 2 or 4 bolt main design. In almost any case, the block will make no difference in power numbers if the prep is done correctly. To use this block all you`ll have to do is buy the roller cam, you can reuse the factory roller lifters, retainers, as well as the spider.
Of course this isn`t the cheap way out since a roller cam costs more bucks, even so I`ve never had a flat tappet cam go flat on me, I still went roller, and I`ll never go back. 1 piece rear seal 383 cranks are avalible as well for this build up.

[OldGoat]

I really appreciate all the helpful information. I know what to look for so now its off to the local machine shops to see if they have one of these blocks. I hear tell that you can find blocks at machine shops that people have dropped off and never picked up for the machining bill. Thank you all again.

[jesse01]

badbob nailed it, but left out 1 little thing. the 010 blocks have 2% more nickel and 1% more tin then the other castings.

i'd vote 010 castings

J

[OldGoat]

Thank you all so much again. I am quite sure this is only the first of many inquiries I will make during this build. I really, really appreciate the advice. Thank you all.

[Mustangsaly]

don't be afraid of the 2bolt main blocks in either 1 or 2 piece rear main seals, imo. I have a 1972 1/2 p/u 10 / 20 4 bolt main block/complete engine. and a 1987 to 1990 2bolt main 1 piece rear main seal block, and I gettin ready to build a 383 outa the 2bolt main 1 piece rear main seal block. and saving the 1972 10 / 20 4 bolt main block for latter, and I might be gettin another 2bolt main 1 piece rear main seal block just to have on hand.





Mustangsaly

[Old Yeller 1970]

Originally Posted by jesse01

badbob nailed it, but left out 1 little thing. the 010 blocks have 2% more nickel and 1% more tin then the other castings.

i'd vote 010 castings

J

The block in Old Yeller ('70 PU) is a 4-bolt with 010 and 020 cast on the front and rear of the block. I've been told by numerous sources that 010 blocks have 1% tin and 020 blocks have 2% nickel.

[jesse01]

i don't know about that 020 block since i never owned a 307, but i do my 010 casting block has "020" & "010" stamped in the same places

i have looked it up before so i would know for a fact, the 010 blocks have 1% more tin & 2% more nickel in there castings.

i have never herd of the 307 being a high nickel block, but then again i never built one or did as much research on it as i did on my 010 casting block

J

[Old Yeller 1970]

Point of clarification my block is a 1970 350 not a 307.

[jesse01]

and 020 blocks have 2% nickel.

^ that is a 307

[Old Yeller 1970]

Are you saying that all blocks that have the 020 cast in them are 307's?

[jesse01]

no, i'm saying all blocks that end in 020 {which is the last 3 digits of the casting number} are 307's

J