[lschoeler]

I want to ID my small block Chevy engine. The numbers I have include:
(a)the casting number is 3970010, (b) there are two serial numbers on the front passengers side of the engine, these numbers are V0505TDR and C8F454789. I would really like to know cubic inches, horsepower and 4 bolt main or 2. Can anyone help or give direction. Thanks

[1ownerT]

TDR 1972 350 conv. cab, a/t 175 4 K-10 & 20
TDR 1980 350 conv. cab, a/t, Cal L LS9 155 4 C-10 & 15

http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engine...ngs.php#suffix

[Dhac.llc]

Ok guys I need some help I have a 350 block and I have been unsuccessful in tracking done the year it was made. On the front pad by the right head I have the stamped number 87789 and under that is the letter c but that's it no letters no vin or anything. So I am not sure how to decode it any help would be great. Also I read on this post abut the 4 dig code on the opposite side of the cast number 3970010 that you might be able to us it to tell the year the code is c175 It Has the 010 020 numbers next to the filter but followed by the number 158 and at the rear of the block next to a freeze plug it has h7 and under that 509 and last next to the casting number it has a large gm 18. With all this info can anyone tell me about this block. I feel I have did my home work on this but is there something I am missing

[TroyBoy]

c=march, 17 th , 1975. Might I ask why it matters? Everyone is always posting these questions. I understand the question about what the engine actually is i.e. 283 or 350 , 2 or 4 bolt etc. but I don't understand all the questions about what year , what application , etc. Just curious.

[fast68]

yeah these are all 350 engines from 1969 to 1979

also possibly 302 or 327 since are all 4" bore blocks with this casting code. in 69 it could be any of the three sizes.

the only real difference in them all is 4 bolt or 2 bolt mains and if it is extra nickel content for a more hard wearing block

this would be both 010 and 020 numbers cast on them in bellhousing or timing gear area

010 and no 020 is standard block, not hard wearing extra nickel content

3970010 was the most common and very general 1970s years 4" bore block casting code for three engine sizes all large journal and three different strokes

3970014 was the next most common 4" bore casting

stamping codes starting with T were truck and most were 4 bolt and many cars 1973 older were 4 bolt as well

the later the year the more likely it will not be high nickel and the more likely it will be lower HP rating(compression and camshaft and carb differences for a certain app)and a regular 2 bolt main. trucks generally got higher torque rating and less hp and cars generally got more hp and less torque. most any given year there were many different engines of a certain size.

the date codes are easy the letter is the month in order from A to L but most all will be A to D which is when the foundries seem to have been busy casting most of the parts.

the next digit or two is the day of the month

and the last digit is the last digit of the year, and it could be any decade though

you have to work out what decade it is by the casting code and with other clues on the parts.

[TroyBoy]

Not to argue with you Fast but in the Chevrolet Small Block Parts Interchange Manual by Ed Staffel, he says the "010" are 1 percent extra nickle but that the "010"/"020" blocks are 1 percent extra tin and 2 percent extra nickle. I don't know for sure about that but I've never read anything contradicting it either. I have found a few blocks over the years that didn't have an "010" on them , so I just figured that they was just a standard block.