Is this a Targetmaster?

[midwestburner]

Attached are some engine pictures of a '72 I bought in July. I got it from a dealer who got it from the original owner's grandson (or something like that). Anwho, I haven't checked the engine's casting #'s, but does this resemble one of the GM Goodwrench Targetmaster crate engines? (Is is possible to identify one by a picture alone?) I've heard some not so flattering things about Targetmasters, nothing horrendous, just fairly blah. I eventually want to have at least a stroked small block in the truck (and I'm not doing the crate engine route). If this is a Targetmaster engine, could the block be a solid base for a rebuild? Thanks.

[GREASEMONKEY72]

well i must say that is one nice truck you got there but i cant say about the engine but what do those plates say on valve covers? i dont remember seeing any stock ones with those on there so my guess would be that its possible but run the numbers when you can then youll know for sure

[midwestburner]

To the best of my knowledge, the valve covers say "GM Goodwrench 350". So, I was thinking crate engine of some sort. Thanks for the kind words.

[woodridge]

That is a nice lookin rig! Can't help on the stickers though.

[Sport/Truck]

What is the number on the flat spot just in front of the P-side head say? It might be hard to read because it’s under you’re a/c pump bracket. Sometimes they have a partial VIN too.
Nice truck BTY.
s/t

[BarryB]

Originally Posted by midwestburner

If this is a Targetmaster engine, could the block be a solid base for a rebuild? Thanks.

Well let me add this. My block I have now is an targetmaster block. I had over 400hp pumping out of it (dynoed at 435 at 5500rpm). Now i am making a stroker out of it. So I would say yes for a solid rebuild.

[Aarons72s]

midwestburner that is a sweet truck.

[midwestburner]

Thanks for the kind words. I picked it up in Arkansas July 2006 from a local dealer who got it from the original owner's grandson. I've pretty much had it in storage since then (which kills me). After I buy a house and get some more garage space, I plan on spending more time with it. The odometer reads 46,xxx. Don't know if it's rolled over once or twice, but it is in very good shape so maybe it is a low-mileage truck. Either way, it's a blast to drive. That's the most important part. Can't wait to drive it more. It has a 350/350 combo that runs like a top. It stops great. The interior is spot on. Everything works really well. There are a few cosmetic spots, but overall it is a solid truck. I just plan on keeping it simple and driveable for now. I don't want to have something I'm afraid to drive around, what's the fun in that?? I don't want to shorten the bed (I like longbeds), or slam it, or put bags and 24's on it. There's nothing wrong with any of those, just not for me.

With money and time permitting (aren't those the main factors in everything?), I'd like to add a full exhaust system, wheels/tires, and way in the future rebuild the engine and add an overdrive tranny. For now I'll keep it simple and hopefully get more time to enjoy it this year-that's the main thing. Here's some more pictures. Thanks!

[Mad Dog]

Those stickers are the same as came on the target motors. I would bet that it is a target motor....but that is not a bad thing. Those motors had crap heads, and tiny cams....but if you are rebuilding it the block is a great foundation.

[weasel29gm]

Nice ride,I thought crates was painted black.

[rlm316]

I have a Goodwrench motor in my '70. It is GM corp blue.Probably in the mid '80s. It was installed a few owners before me but it runs great. I would guess that there is about 50,000 on it. It still has the stock crate heads with a mild cam and rochester 4bbl. If you put your foot in it she'll throw you in the seat. I am doing a frame off on the truck right now and I am going to only freshen up the mill because it runs so good. The motor in my '85 GMC is black.

[49studebaker]

My only experience with a Target Master was in my 79 Camaro, it was actually painted blue. The one in your truck looks like the crate motor in my 85. I don't know the difference mechanically between the two, but in my case, they were painted different colors.

[screamin_eagle]

here is my target master it looks like it might have been blue. looks more like a boat anchor now. runs alright with 150xxx

[phase_one]

Midwestburner nice truck I cant get over how nice it is what did you have to give up for it? Any more of those left?

[lowrollin70gmc]

I run a targetmaster (now simply GM Performance base crate motor, or some other name). I like it, she ain't real powerful, but dependable and runs well.

Mine is a new 4 bolt main, so I figure I can rebuild it performance later.