Can this engine be Ok

[8door]

Finally pulled the engine and trans out . Ran good but had a ticking in driver side that didn't settle down when warmed up. So figured I would pull it and find out what it really is.
I was told by owner when I bought it 2 years ago that it had 350. Well I got it out checked the numbers and this what I found.
Engine #3970010 is a 302 used in Camaros 67-69
Heads are #3881492 64cc 1970 and up.
Transmission is a th400.
The thing ran very strong and would set you back in seat when punched at hiway speed( 55 plus).
What I'm looking for is not a hotrod but a good daily driver.
So can this engine be used as a truck was intended? to haul stuff ? Not as a work truck but just getting around.
Before I bring to a machine shop I want to know what I'm talking about so I am armed with some info.Of course have no idea what pistons are in it or cam or crank till it's down.
Help

[ChevLoRay]

Look on the right side of the block, right on top of it, just in front of the right cylinder head. Stamped into the block, you will, or should, find a series of numbers/letters. Those numbers and letters, not necessarily the casting numbers, will tell you what the engine came in when it was first installed.

My experience with Camaro Z-28 engines, of the 67-69 variety, says that the most desirable ones ended with a DZ code. I am sure that there are plenty more knowledgeable than me, too. I just remember the catchphrase, "It's got a DZ block!!" being very important to the holder of the engine.

So, check out your engine, and let the board know what you find. Then, someone will tell you more.

[Russell]

the 010 casting engine was common in the mid 80's trucks too. 3 out of 4 trucks I've owned have had 010 casting engine blocks in them. 1 was a 2 bolt main, 3 were 4 bolt mains. They have a higher nickle content than most blocks did, so they wear very well. Some of them have a higher iron content too, but you need to look at the stamped numbers behind the timing chain cover. The engine block in my GMC is one of those ones.

[Aquivarious]

Ok. As far as hearsay goes with my experience... The 302's for those camaros were very desirable... and VERY RARE! From what i HEAR.... They stopped producing them because the camaros with the 302s were smoking the vettes that year. If i had that motor, i would be SO happy.. If you think its a small v8 small block so gas is better than a 350 or 400 and it'll kick you to the back of your seat. Keeping it in the truck all depends on what you;ll do with the truck... but if it was me, id rebuild it and keep it. And there's my $.02.

[8door]

Thanks for the right direction.

The Number is K12 06 CMR.

[john]

CMR code =

1975 CMM 350 LM1 165 4 A B F
1975 CMN 350 LM1 L 165 4 A B F
1980 CMN 305 LG4 H 155 4 G
1991 CMP 350 L98, a/t 8 240 TPI Firebird
1974 CMR 350 tur hydro trans. - 145 2 A
1978 CMR 350 m/t L82 4 220 4 Vette/Z-28
1980 CMR 305 auto trans. H LG4 155 4 full size
1974 CMS 350 m/t, 4 spd 185 4 Camaro
1978 CMS 350 a/t L82 4 220 4 Vette
1980 CMS 305 auto trans. H LG4 155 4 full size
1974 CMT 350 t4OO L82 245 4 Camaro/Chevy II
1978 CMT 350 LM1 L 170 4 B
1980 CMT 305 auto trans. H LG4 155 4 full size/Chevy II
1975 CMU 350 145 - - 2 A F X
1975 CMX 350 145 - 2 full size
1975 CMY 350 145 - - 2 FXB
http://www.nastyz28.com/decode.html

3970010 block casting.

3951511....400...70-73...4...Some replacement blocks had 2-bolt main caps
3956618....302.....69....4...Z-28 Camaro
3956618....327...68-69...2
3956618....350.....69....2 or 4
3956632....307.....69....2
3959512....327...62-67...2...Was also used for some "CE" replacement blocks
3959532....283...64......2...Used for some "CE" replacement blocks
3970010....302.....69....4...Z-28 Camaro
3970010....327.....69....2...Trucks and industrial
3970010....350...69-80...2 or 4
3970014....350...70-76...2 or 4
3970020....307...69-73...2
3970024....307...69-73...2
4715111....305.....80....2
6259425....350...69-76...2
10036033...350...........4...Goodwrench crate motor, 2-piece rear



http://www.mortec.com/


Looks like there are alot of choices.

[Longhorn Man]

I was about to say, they used that same block casting on a butt load of engines... not just the 302.

[nwmod39]

check out the 307 engine build in the december issue of classic trucks. that should/could give you some basic ideas as to what that engien could do.

http://www.classictrucksweb.com/toc/...toc/index.html

[8door]

Thanks for info
Looks like it could be a 302, 327 or 350. But you never know till it's opened.
I'll let you all know what I find.
As Forrest Gump one said "Life is like a box of chocolates....................."
Old engines too, open em up you never know what you will find.

[shelby987]

for background information, the 302 is essentially a 350 block (4" bore) with a 283 crank (3" stroke). The engine was built with the intent of being a strictly trans-am racing engine, the requirement of 5.0 liters was set as the baseline in the 60's because thats what ford was using in the mustangs. The engines are purely racing engines with rpm's spinning in the 8,000 rpm range happily on a properly built engine. I know that the factory cam basically required you to rev the hell-outta it to get the high hp. It was rated at 290hp from the factory, but all of the experts rate it in the 400hp range. I would imagine that a truck would be much more suited to an engine with a lower rpm torque range. The DZ block was cast with extra webbing if memory serves, and to do a complete numbers matching build on a factory 68-69 camaro you would need this block (believe 67 didn't have the dz block, as the 302 was very low numbers, 602 were produced).
can you tell I have a 69 camaro in my barn awaiting a rebuild???
I would say, if its a dz, sell it, its worth about a grand, use the $$$ to buy and build a 350.....or put the 302 in a camaro and make it worth 4-10k more....my $0.02

[8door]

Shelby987
Mine is not a DZ block but is a CMR, which I'm finding out can be anything from 302 327 or a 350.
When I get it open and measure bore a nd troke I'll know.
By the way what are crank numbers to identify what stroke?
Are there diffent lenght rods ?

I was considering a crate 350, but this is turning out to be more fun.

[shelby987]

I know that the 68-69's were forged units, and I believe the number is 1178.....can't remember if the 67's were forged or not, iirc the 67's were all small journal cranks, so they might have a different number.......hope that helps....if you need more information, the site below is awesome for tracking down hard to find casting numbers, might be able to help with the block question too.
http://www.small-block-chevy.com