1972 Chevy truck 402

[Camaro_Eric]

Hi All! I just purchased a 69 Camaro that came with a big block. The numbers from the engine are as follows:

Suffix Stamping Code = TLM
Engine Casting Number = 3999290
Head Casting Numbers = 6272292

So, checking all these codes, I find I have a 1972 Chevy truck 402. What I was hoping you guys can answer is:

1. What was the stock torque rating on this engine? The references I've looked at say HP was either 210 or 240, I just wondered what the torque rating was.

2. Is this thing worth something? I was told the engine was a 350 HP 396, which I know could be worth some money. Now that I know it's a 402, I'm afraid it is a boat anchor.

I was planning to do a small block for the Camaro anyway, but I'm just wondering if I can find a home for the 402.

Thanks in advance!
Eric

[Hotrodhenryj]

Definatly not a boat anchor. It also could be the 396 block if its not bored .030. This is the same motor used in passenger cars also. Chevelle super sports used them so they are great motors. Depending on the internals would dictate its power rating. I'd trade it for a small block if your close enough.

[Camaro_Eric]

Closest I get to Havasu is my job site in Gallup, NM (I am based in PA). I do have a geologist that drives from here to Gallup when we work, but I'm not sure he'd haul a Chevy motor in his Dodge truck.

I guess I have some learning to do. I know the 402 was introduced in 1970 or so, and in most cases was still marketed as a 396 by Chevrolet. Maybe I'm just dismissing it too quickly.

Thanks for the opinion!
Eric

[67ChevyC10Stepside]

where r u in PA? i live in pa and would be interested in that motor...i could probably get you a 350 or a 400 SB for it

[super72bb]

Hey Eric

As you know In the early days in the muscle car era. Gm had the 396 in lots of cars and trucks. I don't know the muscle cars very well but I do know that in 1971 they started offering the 402 engine in our trucks instead of the 396. As I am sure you also know the 402 is just a bored out 396. The story I heard on it was that, in that era GM also offered a small block 400. So it was a marketing decision to bore the 396 out to to be a 402. Gm didn't want to have one of their small blocks "out cube" one of their big blocks. I hope this helps. Certainly no boat ancor but if you want to give it away I would love to have it:p I guess what I am saying is don't give up on that big block to soon as with a little top end work she will make lots of power for you.

[HuggerCST]

If I were you I would keep the big block in the car. Big block Camaros are much more valuable than small blocks. Even if it isn't the original engine. But that's just me. If you are a small block guy, and plan to keep it, then I say go for it!

[Castiron9]

My 72 LONGHORN.has a 402 in it that I had over hauled and I love it..............Big blocks sound great too.......

[CHEVY_FOREVER]

Eric just PM'd you!

[1971 Cheyenne]

If it is a truck engine, it is a 402 originally from the factory, not a 396...

[Truckhead]

Just to inform you guys, the 402 is just a rebadged 396 motor, not a 30 over 396. Chevrolet did this as a marketing ploy to make it seem like something "new" for the 70/71' and up Camaro.
I too thought it was an overbored 396, but after alittle research and an article in CarCraft magazine i learned of the 402/396 difference.

[1971 Cheyenne]

Originally posted by Truckhead
Just to inform you guys, the 402 is just a rebadged 396 motor, not a 30 over 396. Chevrolet did this as a marketing ploy to make it seem like something "new" for the 70/71' and up Camaro.
I too thought it was an overbored 396, but after alittle research and an article in CarCraft magazine i learned of the 402/396 difference.

hmm.....ok..... SO if thats true, then why is the bore/stroke of a 396 4.096 x 3.76 and the bore/stroke of a 402 is 4.126 x 3.76?

[bagged91]

I learned a long time ago not to believe everything you read in a magazine. Sometimes they make mistakes that are sooooo obvious I wonder how they got the jobs there in the first place. Some of the TV shows are just as bad...

[Rod]

I agree.. dont believe what you read in magazines or hear on tv shows half the time.

[ScottH]

Interested in trading for some sbc parts?

[robby]

402 is 30 over 396

[dalejr8]

I have a sb 350 out of a camaro that I had rebuilt and runs quite well, I could get the numbers for you but I think it was a 71 camaro I took the motor from. I also think the heads are from a 327. I have a few other small blocks around but anyhow I would be interested in that 402 I live s.e. of Chicago about 45min. to an hour

[67ChevyC10Stepside]

if that 350 is out of a 70 and 1/2 it is the i think 385 horse 350. the most powerfull 350 ever built and you shouldnt sell it

[thepenguin99]

Where are you located and how much would you want for the BB? I might be interested in the engine as I have a 1972 Sierra Grande that was originally a 402 truck but has since been stripped of the big block.

[Mechanic]

Only in America...

Now that I know it's a 402, I'm afraid it is a boat anchor.

Just to inform you guys, the 402 is just a rebadged 396 motor, not a 30 over 396.

if that 350 is out of a 70 and 1/2 it is the i think 385 horse 350. the most powerfull 350 ever built

...all the news that's fit to print.

All three of you owe me $25.

[Camaro_Eric]

To all -

Yes, I still have the 402. I would sell outright, or might trade for a 350 if it is "right" for my car (give me casting numbers and pad stamping numbers and I'll look it up).

As I said, I know nothing about it internally. It will need a complete rebuild, because it sat in the guys garage for at least 7 years. As far as I can tell, the only thing not "correct" for a 72 truck 402 is the intake, which is a 66 to 68 L35 396 intake, and the valve covers. I have plenty of digital photos of it, so PM me with an email address and I'll send them your way.

I am located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania (19335 zipcode) and my hometown is near Carlisle (zip 17013), so if either of those two locations would work for pick up, let me know. I'd really rather not have to ship this thing, but we could talk about that too.

As far as price goes, make me an offer. Or, like I said, if you have a 350 that is correct for a 69 Camaro...

Eric

[thepenguin99]

To far for me to drive