350 or 305?

[775stepside]

I need to find out so I can order parts these motors are identical but I googled the vin number and it came up as a 350 but who knows if a 305 was put in but here is a couple pictures

[BigBlocksRule]

Get the casting number of the block, it's on the ledge where the tranny bolts up, driver's side. If you can't see it, use your phone to shoot a pic. Then Google that number, it will tell you. 305 and 350 blocks are different castings, they cannot be used interchangeably.

[Tom]

Those pics don't tell us anything except you paid $25 for your battery

[BigBlocksRule]

Hey, man, I'm an Interstate blem user, have been since I found out about 'em

[775stepside]

Hahaha actually I didn't buy the battery I wouldn't buy one of these so don't judge me by pictures lol. When I bought it the truck didn't even start so the small time dealer mechanic just threw in this battery as long as it starts and works fine by me

[Tom]

lol we use those at my dealership. We've had one in the tacoma shop truck for over 2yrs now and thats in the az heat and multiple starts per day.

[775stepside]

I take it interstate sucks? Never heard of them being bad

[BigBlocksRule]

I've used Interstate for years without issue, same as most everybody I know.

[95 S_Trucker]

Interstate makes a good battery. Especially their black top. The ones with the econopower stickers are re-manufactured.

[775stepside]

Oh ok ha well it wouldn't be my choice if I had to get one lol.

[Tom]

The econo's are batt's they've taken back as warranty's even though they test fine. They would rather sell them to wholesale accounts for $25 then return them. At least that's what they told me. And there is nothing wrong with interstate.

[b454rat]

Look at the balancer. Usually a 305 will have a small balancer, 350 is bigger and thicker.

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by b454rat

Look at the balancer. Usually a 305 will have a small balancer, 350 is bigger and thicker.

I thought it was the other way...305 thick, 350 thinner?


I may be wrong, but this is how I learned

350 dampner is about 1.5" thick and 8" diameter (Normally TDC is set for about 2 o'clock)
305 dampner is a little under 7" diameter but thicker 2" or 2.25" (Normally TDC is set for about 12 o'clock)

Either can work as long as you use the timing cover for the appropriate balancer

My old 350 was rebuilt with a 305 balancer & timing cover and had no issues.

[775stepside]

Well I looked up the vin and it comes up as a 5.7 so I figure if they changed it out they would of done it with a 350

[BigBlocksRule]

^ maybe, maybe not. If they found a junkyard 305 for cheap, that's what they would have put in. Seen it done several times. Some were even swapped in hopes of better fuel economy.
Check that casting number on the back of the block!

[775stepside]

Guess that's the only way haha, I been to lazy to go out and check, I tried looking over the driver side but I couldn't see nothing and it was cold as hell

[BigBlocksRule]

Use your smartphone camera with a flash, works great!