Corvette 350 into C10

[Luke87gt]

Hi guys,

I’ve been casually browsing local 350 engines on marketplace.

I’d like to understand what it takes to make a 350 (from a late 60s/early 70s corvette) work in my 1969 c10.

I see that the alternator is on the passenger side. Would I be able to keep the Corvette accessories as is? Also, I understand that the headers would need to change obviously. I think the radiator hoses may need to be changed.

I know that my existing clutch/TOTT would swap right over.

Is there any other major changes that I’d need to consider? Thank you.

[54blackhornet]

You will need to locate the rare Corvette/ C/10 fender call outs. Just funnin ! Most 350 stuff is interchangeable. I would find some good rams horns in place of headers myself..good luck and we like pictures…

[geezer#99]

Buyer beware!
Some of those corvette 350’s turn out to be 267’s.

[Accelo]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Buyer beware!
Some of those corvette 350’s turn out to be 267’s.

Absolutely true.
I have been a Corvette owner for over 50 years. I still own the first one I purchased. I would guess 95% of the ads for Corvette motors are bogus. Owners see the same casting number and assume that makes them "Corvette". Nothing is further from the truth. Be careful out there.

In general, the short water pump Corvette motors will fit without a lot of work.
The long water pump Vette motor has issues with fan clearances and lower radiator hoses.

Cheers

[Lee H]

Ask for pictures of the block casting number, the stamp pad, and the date code. Let's see what this really is.

[Luke87gt]

Here it is

[Luke87gt]

Here is another shot

How can I be sure it’s a 350?

[geezer#99]

Get the letters and numbers off the pad in front of the passenger side head.
We’ll decode that for you.

[Luke87gt]

Here is more, can anyone confirm this is 350 and from what vehicle/year?

[chevmn]

TJY suffix appears to be a 350 out of a Corvette, 1973, 1974, or 1978 with they Y signifying Corvette. I cannot recall the suffix, but I likely have a 1973 version in a Corvette with a 350.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by chevmn

TJY suffix appears to be a 350 out of a Corvette, 1973, 1974, or 1978 with they Y signifying Corvette. I cannot recall the suffix, but I likely have a 1973 version in a Corvette with a 350.

It’s from a truck.

[Luke87gt]

Thanks guys, looks to be a 350 from 73-74 (or 78) according to this site:

http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engine-code-stampings.php

Seems ok, any reason not to pick it up to replace my tired i6?

[chevmn]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

It’s from a truck.

I stand corrected. Somewhere I saw an indication that the "Y" was Corvette only, but does not appear the case, and I checked my 73 Corvette, and it does not have a Y suffix, and it is the factory engine. In any case, I do not believe that is of any real consequence in this case. I know the one in my Corvette, is a low compression, run of the mill engine.

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

Here is more, can anyone confirm this is 350 and from what vehicle/year?

Yes I can.. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but your engine started out life as 1973 350 cu. in. 175 HP truck engine.. The suffix "TJY" says it all..

I don't have x-ray vision, so I can't see what's inside your engine.. However, I can say that all 350 Chevy engines started out life as the same basic block.. Some of the blocks were 4 bolt main blocks and some were 2 bolt.. At some point in time, your block could have been built with "Corvette internals".

Proper de-coding can determine where the engine was built and what vehicle is to be installed. Even the day the parts were cast can be determined. Here's a link where all the numbers can be de-coded.

http://camaros.org/pdf/LimeBook.pdf

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

Here is more, can anyone confirm this is 350 and from what vehicle/year?

Pos #9 shows the Dress Code numbers as well as a VIN.
Truck engines did not come with VINs, even new, as it was assumed the truck would have a longer service life than one engine's run.
Cars, however had VIN numbers for security purposes.
Your stamped Dress code reads:
V = Flint, MI, 2nd - [V8] engine line/ 09 = September, 05 = 5th day/ TSY. [?]

You should be able to run down this partial VIN stamped in front of the Dress numbers.

[geezer#99]

Look here for engine code TJY.


https://www.nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-co...s-suffix-8.php

[geezer#99]

Is it possible to hear it running or do a compression test?
And maybe pull the valve covers off to check head casting numbers and equal rocker movement.
It might just be a spay can rebuild.
Purty on the outside but junk inside.

What’s the price on it?

[RustyPile]

I'm very skeptical when it comes to buying complete engines from individuals, especially if the situation prevents me from hearing and seeing it run. I'm quite capable of building my own engines so that scenario very seldom comes up.. When I do buy a complete engine, I buy from reputable suppliers.

The following is just my opinion and YMMV.. I see lots of bling and purdy paint.. Something that even the most inexperienced person can "create" himself. Don't let all that blind you to what might be lurking beneath. The pulley system and long water pump will make it very difficult, if not impossible, to install a fan clutch and fan shroud on the radiator. The alternator is a late model that will probably require some wiring modification. The last deciding factor is price, of which you made no mention..

[Luke87gt]

The engine price is $1500 (extra $200 for engine stand, Sanderson headers, and TCI starter)

Running video before it was pulled:

https://youtube.com/shorts/gENv9vY9y78?feature=shared

[RichardJ]

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

The engine price is $1500 (extra $200 for engine stand, Sanderson headers, and TCI starter)

Running video before it was pulled:

[url]https://youtube.com/shorts/gENv9vY9y78?feature=shared[url]

Before it was pulled?

Picture in post #7 has different alternator and bracket, than in video? Different headers?

[Luke87gt]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

Before it was pulled?

Picture in post #7 has different alternator and bracket, than in video? Different headers?

Bracket is different and he’s throwing in Sanderson headers shown below.

You guys all make good points and it’s risky to buy used. I’m gonna roll the dice here and hope for the best. If it goes south, will be a learning experience.

Will let you guys know how it goes, should have it tomorrow AM.

[RustyPile]

Just recently, a friend of mine bought an engine that looked outwardly like that one.. Upon disassembly, the engine was 90% junk. Crank needed machining, block was unusable, one head was cracked, plus lots of other bad stuff. It's your money to spend as you want, but again just my opinion..

If bought new, I see over $1,000 in accessories and bling. That leaves around $500 for the engine.. Like I said, don't let the shiny stuff blind you to what's underneath, a purdy paint job covers a lot of turds. Do as you wish but I'd pass..

[geezer#99]

Sure a bunch of extra rpm in that vid.
Turn down the idle and we might hear what’s ticking.

What’s his excuse for pulling it out?

[Luke87gt]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Sure a bunch of extra rpm in that vid.
Turn down the idle and we might hear what’s ticking.

What’s his excuse for pulling it out?

He went with a big block and showed me pics with it installed

[RichardJ]

Corvettes have been in production since 1953. For the 70 years up through 2023 production they have made less than 2 million vehicles. 1,866,484 to be exact. Many of those early years, they sold less than 10,000 a year.

Between the retailers, rebuilders and private party sellers, I'd bet 20 million engines have been sold that were claimed to have been out of a Corvette.