how to determine what engine came in my truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

truck-collector · 05-10-2010, 12:35 PM

I just acquired a 1968 CST swb that had no engine in it. Unfortunately at one point the truck was repainted and the decal in the glove box was totally removed. Im trying to determine what engine the truck may have come with from the factory. Here is what I know:
It has the turbo 400 tranny.
It did come with a v8 per the vin.
It has factory air and power steering
It is a non posi rear end.

I mention these other items just incase one limits/narrows down the options. Id hope that it was a big block truck, but Im leaning towards the 327. Any where else I should look in the truck-any clues?? Thanks so much.

Cole Trickle · 05-10-2010, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truck-collector

I just acquired a 1968 CST swb that had no engine in it. Unfortunately at one point the truck was repainted and the decal in the glove box was totally removed. Im trying to determine what engine the truck may have come with from the factory. Here is what I know:
It has the turbo 400 tranny.
It did come with a v8 per the vin.
It has factory air and power steering
It is a non posi rear end.

I mention these other items just incase one limits/narrows down the options. Id hope that it was a big block truck, but Im leaning towards the 327. Any where else I should look in the truck-any clues?? Thanks so much.

Here are your options for 68.

In 1968, the 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 was replaced with a 307 cu in (5 L) and a 310 hp (231 kW), 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 was offered for the first time.

Does it have sbc motor mounts?

Maybe a different radiator for a 396?

Pretty hard to tell without the spid. Turbo 400 makes me think 396 but that could have been added by a PO. Not to mention these trucks could be ordered any way you wanted back then.

Congrats...post some pics

northerngmc · 05-10-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole Trickle

Here are your options for 68.

In 1968, the 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 was replaced with a 307 cu in (5 L) and a 310 hp (231 kW), 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 was offered for the first time.

So would the 396 in a C20 be different than a 396 in a C10? I thought my 396 L66 2 barrel was 265 hp

*67/72junkie* · 05-10-2010, 07:21 PM

High hump trans cover in floor bolts in for big block.BB cab will have heat sheild below ac box on lower firewall underhood or 2 holes where removed.BB mounts are shaped different but you can tell the difference at a glance.bb has about a 1'' diameter bolt hole in center and sb has 3/8 in center.

sameyrasmea72 · 05-10-2010, 08:04 PM

Check to see if the engine stands are still on the frame. If they are take a pic. BB look like these sort of but have a larger hole in the center where the mount mounts, like someome said.

Bob 68327 · 05-10-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole Trickle

Here are your options for 68.

In 1968, the 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 was replaced with a 307 cu in (5 L) and a 310 hp (231 kW), 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 was offered for the first time.

Does it have sbc motor mounts?

Maybe a different radiator for a 396?

Pretty hard to tell without the spid. Turbo 400 makes me think 396 but that could have been added by a PO. Not to mention these trucks could be ordered any way you wanted back then.

Congrats...post some pics

U forgot the the 327 was also an option engine I have one to prove it . 307 was most common .

sameyrasmea72 · 05-10-2010, 01:09 PM

Look for high hump cab floor, factory Exhaust hangers on both sides, were the engine mount stands left on the frame. These would give you some clues.

truck-collector · 05-10-2010, 05:39 PM

The frame mounts are still in the truck. What am I looking for?

jbristo67 · 05-10-2010, 05:45 PM

High up = big block

LMN8UR · 05-10-2010, 06:07 PM

Maybe you should take the opportunity to put in what you want in. Our trucks aren't rare, make it what you want! ! !

truck-collector · 05-10-2010, 06:36 PM

I know I can put whatever engine in it, but part of the fun of getting new stuff is figuring out what it is(was). What is meant between high up mounts? Any pictures.

**71swb4x4** · 05-10-2010, 07:04 PM

Did you look for the build sheet? It should be under or behind the seat. It will be between the seat springs and the seat foam.

GASoline71 · 05-10-2010, 08:37 PM

..

truck-collector · 05-10-2010, 08:41 PM

My SPID is missing as mentioned above

GASoline71 · 05-10-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truck-collector

My SPID is missing as mentioned above

LOL... I went back to your OP and noticed that you had no SPID right after I posted. I "deleted" my post. You musta saw it before I did that...

Gary

**special-K** · 05-10-2010, 09:15 PM

307,327,or 396.The 396 had the dual exhaust and other mentioned items as well as a remote p/s reservoir mounted on the driver side fender.If it was a small block it will be hard to determine which.I`m trying to think of any differences in the engine compartment and coming up blank.I guess ithas the big radiator because of a/c?Maybe an a/c 307 didn`t?Never had one to know for sure.

crites_72 · 05-10-2010, 09:22 PM

my 68 had a 283 in it.

truck-collector · 05-10-2010, 09:41 PM

Thanks everyone. The mystery has been solved. I removed the carpet and the hump is non-removable. All signs point to small block which is fine for what I want to do with it. Now its on to buying parts...anyone have a complete set of side trim for a 68 cst swb?

05-10-2010, 12:35 PM	#1
truck-collector Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaverton, MI Posts: 14	how to determine what engine came in my truck I just acquired a 1968 CST swb that had no engine in it. Unfortunately at one point the truck was repainted and the decal in the glove box was totally removed. Im trying to determine what engine the truck may have come with from the factory. Here is what I know: It has the turbo 400 tranny. It did come with a v8 per the vin. It has factory air and power steering It is a non posi rear end. I mention these other items just incase one limits/narrows down the options. Id hope that it was a big block truck, but Im leaning towards the 327. Any where else I should look in the truck-any clues?? Thanks so much.

05-10-2010, 07:21 PM	#4
67/72junkie Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NC Posts: 1,129	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck High hump trans cover in floor bolts in for big block.BB cab will have heat sheild below ac box on lower firewall underhood or 2 holes where removed.BB mounts are shaped different but you can tell the difference at a glance.bb has about a 1'' diameter bolt hole in center and sb has 3/8 in center.

05-10-2010, 08:04 PM	#5
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck Check to see if the engine stands are still on the frame. If they are take a pic. BB look like these sort of but have a larger hole in the center where the mount mounts, like someome said. Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd

05-10-2010, 01:09 PM	#7
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck Look for high hump cab floor, factory Exhaust hangers on both sides, were the engine mount stands left on the frame. These would give you some clues. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd

05-10-2010, 05:39 PM	#8
truck-collector Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaverton, MI Posts: 14	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck The frame mounts are still in the truck. What am I looking for?

05-10-2010, 05:45 PM	#9
jbristo67 resident oilfield trash Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock TX Posts: 1,465	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck High up = big block __________________ 1967 SWB C10 396/400 factory air factory tach (sadly had to send to a new home) 1986 Honda 70 Fourtrax 1991 Chevrolet K5 blazer 2wd 1982 Mastercraft Pro Star 190 Stars and Stripes 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 2011 Nissan Armada

05-10-2010, 06:07 PM	#10
LMN8UR Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 148	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck Maybe you should take the opportunity to put in what you want in. Our trucks aren't rare, make it what you want! ! ! __________________ 72 Chevy C-10 Custom LWB 383 Stroker - Edlebrock Air Gap intake and 670 CFM Holley Street Avenger carb. Hooker Comp Headers w/ X-Pipe and 2.25 duals TKO-500 & 3.08:1 rear I Love HEMI's, they're soft & chewy!

05-10-2010, 06:36 PM	#11
truck-collector Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaverton, MI Posts: 14	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck I know I can put whatever engine in it, but part of the fun of getting new stuff is figuring out what it is(was). What is meant between high up mounts? Any pictures.

05-10-2010, 07:04 PM	#12
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,499	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck Did you look for the build sheet? It should be under or behind the seat. It will be between the seat springs and the seat foam. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

05-10-2010, 08:41 PM	#14
truck-collector Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaverton, MI Posts: 14	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck My SPID is missing as mentioned above

05-10-2010, 09:15 PM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck 307,327,or 396.The 396 had the dual exhaust and other mentioned items as well as a remote p/s reservoir mounted on the driver side fender.If it was a small block it will be hard to determine which.I`m trying to think of any differences in the engine compartment and coming up blank.I guess ithas the big radiator because of a/c?Maybe an a/c 307 didn`t?Never had one to know for sure. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 05-10-2010 at 09:19 PM.

05-10-2010, 09:22 PM	#17
crites_72 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mtn. Grove Mo. Posts: 155	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck my 68 had a 283 in it. __________________ DJ

05-10-2010, 09:41 PM	#18
truck-collector Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaverton, MI Posts: 14	Re: how to determine what engine came in my truck Thanks everyone. The mystery has been solved. I removed the carpet and the hump is non-removable. All signs point to small block which is fine for what I want to do with it. Now its on to buying parts...anyone have a complete set of side trim for a 68 cst swb?



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