John 65

I know its a 350, (I believe), has a drivers side dipstick and a "8" for its build year. I would think 1978 cause the small pad in the front of the engine is the smaller square shape not the longer more narrow older style pad for 1968. The pad is smooth so theres no engine codes. Its cast GM 41 by the 3970010. I thought it was an L-48 but I know they had a rh dipstick. Thanks for any help.

mts7900

Yes, it's a 350 cid block, hi-performance application. Those ones were manufactured by GM between '68 - '76, but were being manufactured after that in Mexico. The Mexican blocks have the "Made in Mexico" raised letters next to the casting number.

John 65

Thanks for your help, It dont have the Made in Mexico script on it, but with the 8 for the year it was cast (78 I would think cause of the smaller pad so it cant be a 68) and the lack of the mexico script I am still a little confused. Date on rear of rh side of block says J 7 8 Thanks

mts7900

The lack of "Hecho En Mexico" (Made in Mexico) means it wasn't made there and most likely was cast in Flint, MI. As for the date, it's either a '68 or a '78. My info tells me it would have been a service replacement block if it's a '78.

Howy

HI GUYS

Looking through my 1965-69 chevrolet by the numbers book this block came into production sometime in late april or early may of 1969 and was used through 1975.It was produced in 2 and 4 bolt application except for 1969 which were all 4 bolt main.They also explain that the date should have three digits,is there a digit that maybe you don't see.Or maybe not everything in this book is true.

JohnZ

J 7 8 is an October 7, 1978 Flint block (the 3970010 block was only cast from 1969-1979 - about seven million of them); it was used in every conceivable car and truck application.

Howy

I guess while i was typing you added j 7 8 which means j=october 7=7th day 8=1968

Howy

There should be an engine code stamped on a block pad located immediately forward of the right hand cylinder head.Then maybe we can figure this out.

Sorry if i caused confusion

John 65

Thank you all for your replys, unfortuntaly the pad is smooth, no codes. I guess I dont have anything special out there under the hood I questioned it cause I would have sworn the dipstick was on the other side for that year. Appreciate all your help.

JohnZ

Nope, it's 1978 - none of those blocks were cast until mid-1969.

Mike_B

In my experience, the "010" block is the most common pre-87 block. They were used in the last 302 and 327 motors, as well as hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of 350s. I have a 69 4-bolt version as well as a 77 2-bolt.

Some had a higher tin and nickel content, designated by 010 and 020 cast into the block to the left and right of the front and rear cam journals. I believe these were mostly used for the 302 and LT1 350s, but some may have been used in trucks.

BTW, one of David Vizard's books says the 010 block was made from 68-79. Mortec.com shows 69-80.

John 65

Thanks everybody for your help.

tangel2

I just blew up one of these blocks (2 bolt main version). I am pretty sure the 2-bolt main versions were used in low performance applications, 4-bolt mains used on high performance.

knight37128

4 bolt was also used in trucks. The bigger trucks (1 ton and bigger) also had forged crankshafts.

I am sure they are not "high performance".

77vettes

What do I have there is no number or codes on block

rsavage1

Maybe the block was decked/squared up in a previous rebuild which would have removed the stamping on the pad. Is it a standard bore?

Easy Rhino

This is a nearly 12 year old thread, guys.

Jimmytank1961

I have a 3970010 block. Need to know year what car. Have 2 of them.
V40416tyz
C7f441412

V0402tfm
C94160394
Can anyone help me out
Both r 4 bolt main

Easy Rhino

Goodness.

2007 thread still survives.

Start new threads guys.

Chris Daugherty

as I've been looking through this thread, I seem to have a question. I just bought a motor for street stock dirt racing. Motor is a 3970010, 010 stamp, a ck227? Stamp, along with H24 WR and a g12, then a bear the harmonic balancer, V1203cmb, punched in the block with 58750607 stamped onto that, can anyone figure this mess out, I believe it's a 350 made in flint engine co. On Jan 20? 1973 maybe? And according to the CMB, A 350 from a truck, 2 bolt main..please help