Small block engine ID help.
 

This is what is on the front of the block, pass side. I am not having any luck....
I know the casting number is the way to go, but it is cold and rainy and it is in a 4x4 pickup. (hard to get to.)

Last pic is the intake. 71 350 it looks like

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

.

Taking a stab here...

F1018R rather than FI0I8R would be...
F=Flint
1018=Oct 18
R=1962 327 m/t full size

Year CID Application GM Body/Comments
1962 327 m/t - - full size

...1962? I think this is totally wrong but here ya go...

https://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engin...ngs.php#suffix
https://www.nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-co...s-suffix-6.php


-Kevin

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

Here’s another stab:

I’m guessing ‘8R’ is the suffix code. The best online resource I’ve found is nastyz28, and they have a few suffix codes listed in the ‘number-letter’ format.
They don’t have 8R, but all the others in this format are late ‘70’s - 80 305 & 350 blocks. Again this is a stab and it’s always interesting to see these rare cases. Also interesting is that all the other cases of this suffix code format are for school bus engines. I’m guessing yours is a 305 or 350 originally from a school bus. You could also pull a valve cover and try to id the heads, but that’s also a shot in the dark.

I’ve found the 2nd best way to id an engine is the casting number + suffix code. I say this because I have a 283 that is original to my 67 c10. According to the casting number it’s a 283, but according to the suffix code it’s a 307.

The best way is to pull the head and measure the cylinder bore diameter and stroke if you have to. (283 & 307 share the same bore, and 327 & 350 also share the same bore)

I’m sure there are lots of members that would be interested in what your engine actually is. Keep us posted if you ever determine the actual bore & stroke.

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

Well there is a lot visual things to look over at the engine to try and get an idea of what exactly it is. In regards to the block, while needing to look in the back like you would for the casting number, also see if there is a flat area and a provision for a draft tube/oil can tube (can is in the valley under the intake) and a hose running out. 67 and earlier blocks had a draft tube or a breather tube out of the back of the block, where on 69ish and 70s block that area was removed from the casting with the new PCV system in the value cover. 68 blocks have the pad but it was unmachined. Another thing to see is if it has a oil filter canister or a typical spin on (usually you do see aftermarket conversions on the older blocks) 67 and earlier blocks had a canister that held a replacement filter you would swap, where 68 went to spin on filters. The picture I attached is of a early block and what to look for. A 70s block will not have this.

Thats kind of quick way to figure out if that front pad leans more towards a 62 motor or a later 70s.

Hard to say with the cylinder heads as those could be easily swapped, but if there is no accessory mount holes on the end of the heads then they are 68 and earlier, also 67 and earlier dont have a water temp sender hold in between the exhaust ports. It would be at the front of the head on the drivers side. 68 heads are one year only where it had the side sender and no bolt holes on the end.

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

That is a good stab, closer than i got.

Don't the later engines have a smaller pad where the code is?

The truck is a 71 gmc spec'd with a 350. The intake looks to be a 71 350 pass. Still has points dist and camelback heads. (older style)

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

CAMAROBOY, Thanks for the info.

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

I can check my casting number books tonight for the intake number.
R is the suffix code, here is what is published in the Lime Book;
As was already posted
F-Flint
I0I8/1018- Oct 18
R-

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

Some other things I've found about and...
67 was the last year for the PCV port at the back of the block. Older engines may have had a draft tube there, instead.
65 wsa the first year for Quadrajet use. I just read that it was used in cars. Didn't mention pickups.
I'm pretty sure 68 was the first year for Quadrajets in pickups. 283's and 307's had 2 barrel carbs in 68.
67 Was the last year the 283.

283's had 4 barrel carbs. I know ther were 220 HP 283's with 4 barrel carbs, I'm certain it was not with a Quadrajet, though!

Seems I've seen some 67 pickups here with 4 barrel carbs, but they were for sure either Rochester 4G's or Carter WCFB's

67 was the last year for the cartridge oil filter. V-8's got the spin on filters after that. 6 cyl may be a different story.

The pad on the pass side front of the engine is smaller on 76 or 77 engines and stayed smaller, from then. The blocks got lightened up in many other places on the blocks with the smaller pad.

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

I think the intake is a 71 350 pass. I will need to double check the date code for sure. Thanks for checking

Good info, Thanks.

Looks like i may have to get the casting and date codes to be sure what it is. And who knows, maybe its a junker anyhow...

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

3973469 intake, 1971 350 passenger, camaro, corvette, Qjet

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

Something I've done to get that number off the block. Without looking behind that head. I take a wire brush and give that area a good scrubbing, then snap a picture with my phone.

Sometimes that area is VERY dirty. I have to spray something like carb cleaner back there, then the wire brush.......:metal:

Re: Small block engine ID help.
 

I think it's a 62 327 tha was originally a 2 barrel carb and someone change intakes to allow a 4 barrel. Engine casting number will tell for sure