C65 Engine Info ?

[SS Delux]

I have a lead on a C65 with a holley 4bbl and some type of chevy big block, I just dont know what it is and what it would be worth, if anything ? The hood is still on so I dont believe any water got in it. My question is how can I tell what it is without crawling under and looking at the casting numbers ? (396, 402, or 454? )I have the vin plate but cant decode it. (6 axle and stick, 44,000 lb truck!!!). Thanks in advance for the help.

[D13]

It's either a 366 or 427 truck, tall block. THese enignes are .4" taller to accept the extra piston ring. Pistons are very heavy and they are designed for longevity at 3500RMP, not to rev. 366 is worth $100 scrap, guys save crank and rods, that all. 427's used to be used to make pulling motors out of but the factory 502 pretty much ended that. Occasionally someone will rebuild one for their grain truck, but I haven't seen a used one go for over $400. All the front accesories will fit only big trucks, intakes are different, heads are ususally small port low RPM (but make huge torque on a 454 at 300 RPM).

There is a code stamped on a pad on the block just in front of the head, behind the water pump. That can be used to decipher exactly what is is. But unles someone is giving it to you, pass.

[78maliburat]

WOW I SHIFT MY TALL DECK 427 AT 6800

[Tx Firefighter]

I'd put 90 percent odds on it being a 366.

[D13]

Originally Posted by 78maliburat

WOW I SHIFT MY TALL DECK 427 AT 6800

Got factory pistons?

Don't get me wrong, the tall decks can be made into scary motors. I've seen some long rod combos that make huge power down low, and the ability to accept a .4 stroker crank with factory rods and light pistons is nice. But stone stock they are torque monster low rev truck motors. And the 366 - well maybe in a dually, just for kicks. Since the OP was asking what it might be I assume that they were not into the BBC scene that much, and would be better off buying a 454 than trying to build up a truck motor.

SS Delux, the 366's are a no sale at $200 on Detroit CL. If that gives you any idea on the value. And the Holley is a spreadbore, has better mid range fuel control than a Quadrajet. Certainly not a 'performance' carb, particualrly with the governer (bus applications).
I'll probably end up scrapping my 366 for the $75 in cast iron. And I like big blocks.

44000# GVW might well be a 427.

[Pyrotechnic]

Either motor wouldn't be bad just to throw in an old truck and drive it, especially if you got it cheap or free. Would probably last a really long time too. Good for the low budget free/cheap kinda build.

[84SierraClassic]

Bringing this up again only because I have been given some conflicting info about my motor.....366 or 396, what do you guys think? Yes, I am working on getting the numbers to decode...it's a greasy/muddy mess ATM after some play time

[ozark]

It isn't a 396 its got a tall deck intake manifold and waterpump.

[84SierraClassic]

Yeah, that's what i'm finding doing some more searchin' here. Could be a TD427 as well....I gotta get those numbers yet.

[84SierraClassic]

Just looked up the numbers....I was sold a 366 200cid from a '75, '76, or '78 truck.

T1213AHJ with no partial VIN on the flange, only other number was 35

[sierra4x4]

I use to run a 427TD in my 74 3/4 ton 4x4 out of a 1988 C-60 and it was a great engine. I use to buzz the thing to 5000rpm all the time. All I added was a Comp 4x4 cam, quadrajet and headers. The reason they don't perform good in C-60's becouse they have a junk holley with a governer and like a 300lb flywheel.They are a great engine for a truck. The 427 had a lot more torque than the mild 350 that it replaced.

[Chris Guthro]

with a different carb, performance cam , msd ignition and better distributor as well as an automatic tranny with a shift kit, how fast can you get them top end? will it outrun a 350?

[84SierraClassic]

Originally Posted by 84SierraClassic

Just looked up the numbers....I was sold a 366 200cid from a '75, '76, or '78 truck.

T1213AHJ with no partial VIN on the flange, only other number was 35

So that was the partial VIN, not the casting number. I got that from the flange on the front of the motor, passenger side, just behind the water pump, forward the head. I can't get in to see the location for the casting number. At this point I don't need it, it's definitely a 366 tall deck.