I have engine #'s but still can't nail down exact dates. What is this thing!?

[ur2noz]

Just became a new owner to a 1970 C10. Truck has a non-original 350 in it. The engine # is V0525TBB with casting #3970010. It appears from all my research this could be a 1970 255hp 350 but could also be a late 70's 165hp 350. Clearly there is quite a difference. What other info can I look for to really hammer out a positive id? I thought maybe a compression test? Higher compression motor more then likely the high HP? Need some direction here. Also where on the trans will I find identification numbers? Its a 350 3 speed.

Appreciate everyone's help

Adam

[Leonard1]

There will be a casting date on the bellhousing flange, usually behind the passenger side head. It should nail it down for you.

[bruceman1968]

Get the date code off the block,

[ur2noz]

Originally Posted by bruceman1968

Get the date code off the block,

Attachment 1074680

Exactly what I was looking for. The numbers I need would be at the rear of the engine!

Thanks

[oldschool18]

was there a vin number with the engine code on the front of the motor......on a personal note that motor was put together on my birthday.

[ur2noz]

Originally Posted by oldschool18

was there a vin number with the engine code on the front of the motor......on a personal note that motor was put together on my birthday.

No vin on the block.
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[TBONE1964]

The casting number won't tell you a whole lot. 3970010 is the most common small block casting number there is. It could be a 327 with that number or like mine is a 1978 350.

The number that tells you what the engine actually was built for is the numbers stamped on the passenger deck on the front side.

I am also looking for this information for my engine.

The date code will be on the back of the block near the casting number like shown in the photo above but all that will tell you is the day/month/year the block was cast.

Just an extra note, a compression test won't help you determine compression ratio but it will tell you if the rings and valves are seating well.

[cdowns]

actually there is little to no difference bewtween a 1970 255hp and a late 70's 165hp other than slight head changes// and who's ta say that anything has not been changed in 40years


does it run? how good?
those two questions are about all that matters


if it dont run just decide// build it or crat it

[ur2noz]

Originally Posted by cdowns

actually there is little to no difference bewtween a 1970 255hp and a late 70's 165hp other than slight head changes// and who's ta say that anything has not been changed in 40years


does it run? how good?
those two questions are about all that matters


if it dont run just decide// build it or crat it

Truck runs fine but i enjoy knowing the details/history of my trucks. If the only difference are the heads they obviously flow quite a bit more to produce that much more horsepower.
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[Crabass]

Seems they would have spec'd a different cam as well.

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by ur2noz

Truck runs fine but i enjoy knowing the details/history of my trucks. If the only difference are the heads they obviously flow quite a bit more to produce that much more horsepower.
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you were not around during the 60's -70's i's guess // there was a whole lota lying an changing so in the end it was possible that what was 10hp produced a whole lotb less than 4hp of the same thing

insurance companies goverment knee jerkers news orginazations ralph the mouth nader with his witch hunts they all cause a jimbal jamble of horse power ratings and claims to where it was a joke and made it impossible to compare oranges to oranges // and going by those convolted boasts and claims of a bygone era is a wwaste of time and effort


ya wanna know go on the dyno