Engine identification? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dundee · 04-01-2014, 03:25 AM

Hello masters again!

Now would be a problem to identify the my engine...
I would like to know where it was originally and the year (+ everything else possible).

A quick examination is found all over the engine series number printed:

31 GM 3970010

VO723TKF

1
C5E444064 (this I can not say for sure that the third number / letter, it
F looks like perhaps the most 1).

Somebody knows something to those data from the engine, or should I still look for more tags?
All information is necessary!

**mr48chev** · 04-01-2014, 11:15 AM

In the past few years this has become he go to site for engine codes for almost anyone involved with Chevrolet engines. http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html

The 3970010 block is what a lot of guys refer to as an 010 block Usually it's a 350 4 bolt main block but I have seen some 010 blocks that were two bolt main.

The TKF shows it originally came in a 78 Chevy Van or bus.

OrrieG · 04-01-2014, 01:27 PM

On the back of the block, top by oil pressure boss, there should be a cast date code like D2342 which translates to April 23 1974 second shift. that will help you hone in on the engine. That is the same block I have in my truck, it is a 4 bolt truck engine from 74.

Dundee · 04-01-2014, 01:58 PM

I try not to investigate in more detail the engine this weekend.
Do you mean that the engine model would be L05?

OrrieG · 04-01-2014, 03:11 PM

No, according to web lo5 was introduced in 1988. the three letter code shows its a 78 engine, I posted date code info to validate that. To get more info you will need to pop the valve covers and pan to see if it had the original heads (PN and date code) and if it has been rebuilt, over bored or had the crank and rods turned. You can also put a dial indicator on the push rod and degree the crank to get a general idea of the cam profile.

**mr48chev** · 04-01-2014, 08:55 PM

The engine could have just about any sbc cam in it either an original equipment cam or an after market performance cam.

According to the info you posted earlier, the engine was originally installed in a 1978 Chevrolet Van. It was most likely purchased from a wrecking yard to install in the truck you bought. The mid 70's 350 truck and van engines are popular for swaps because they are plentiful and relatively inexpensive along with having heavy duty parts.

04-01-2014, 03:25 AM	#1
Dundee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Finland Posts: 28	Engine identification? Hello masters again! Now would be a problem to identify the my engine... I would like to know where it was originally and the year (+ everything else possible). A quick examination is found all over the engine series number printed: 31 GM 3970010 VO723TKF 1 C5E444064 (this I can not say for sure that the third number / letter, it F looks like perhaps the most 1). Somebody knows something to those data from the engine, or should I still look for more tags? All information is necessary!

04-01-2014, 11:15 AM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,708	Re: Engine identification? In the past few years this has become he go to site for engine codes for almost anyone involved with Chevrolet engines. http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html The 3970010 block is what a lot of guys refer to as an 010 block Usually it's a 350 4 bolt main block but I have seen some 010 blocks that were two bolt main. The TKF shows it originally came in a 78 Chevy Van or bus. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

04-01-2014, 01:27 PM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Engine identification? On the back of the block, top by oil pressure boss, there should be a cast date code like D2342 which translates to April 23 1974 second shift. that will help you hone in on the engine. That is the same block I have in my truck, it is a 4 bolt truck engine from 74. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

04-01-2014, 01:58 PM	#4
Dundee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Finland Posts: 28	Re: Engine identification? I try not to investigate in more detail the engine this weekend. Do you mean that the engine model would be L05?

04-01-2014, 03:11 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Engine identification? No, according to web lo5 was introduced in 1988. the three letter code shows its a 78 engine, I posted date code info to validate that. To get more info you will need to pop the valve covers and pan to see if it had the original heads (PN and date code) and if it has been rebuilt, over bored or had the crank and rods turned. You can also put a dial indicator on the push rod and degree the crank to get a general idea of the cam profile. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

04-01-2014, 08:55 PM	#6
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,708	Re: Engine identification? The engine could have just about any sbc cam in it either an original equipment cam or an after market performance cam. According to the info you posted earlier, the engine was originally installed in a 1978 Chevrolet Van. It was most likely purchased from a wrecking yard to install in the truck you bought. The mid 70's 350 truck and van engines are popular for swaps because they are plentiful and relatively inexpensive along with having heavy duty parts. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.



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