Mysterious small block

[natedogg]

Traded for this sbc and noticed it has locations for a dip stick on each side? Looks like driver side hole has been plugged? I personally have never seen this on a GM block. Of course, dip stick is usually on one side or the other? First thought was this was a made in Mexico crate engine, but the casting number 3970014 says 70-74 350? Why did GM do this? Thanks for all replies.

[rwhit57]

I've seen plenty of those blocks over the years. The 350 became the workhorse of the Chevrolet lineup and was available in almost every model car they produced. With the dipstick cast in both sides it was one block fits all models theory. If there were clearance issues with Exhaust manifolds, power brake boosters, smog equip., etc. they could be either right or left dipstick locations. Good eye I'm sure a lot of guys have never noticed that.
Randy

[70K10Hunter]

My 350 has the same thing but its "Hecho en Mexico.

[natedogg]

Looks like on closer inspection that this 70's block has a newer 80's oil pan on it and this lil adapter to use a passenger side dipstick. I have never seen this before and looks like to me this is aftermarket, but I could be wrong?

[v30crewcab]

thats a new one on me, never seen a dipstick adapter before!

[70K10Hunter]

Originally Posted by v30crewcab

thats a new one on me, never seen a dipstick adapter before!

x2

[bdiamond]

Originally Posted by v30crewcab

thats a new one on me, never seen a dipstick adapter before!

Hmmm. I've never seen one of those either. The dual dipstick was a for sure thing on GM Mexico crate engines. I couldn't tell you if it they ever came down the assembly line in cars/trucks though I wonder if GM didn't use salvaged/leftover blocks in the early days and include universal fit options before Mexico started cranking them out