Help Identifying Engine

[malebean16]

I bought a '70 C-10 a few weeks ago and I am trying to identify the engine so that I can buy the appropriate replacement parts.

Casting: 3970014
Date: B23 76

Vin Code: 16R476200
1=Chevy 6=1976 R=Arlington, TX

Engine ID Code: T0302CMJ
T=Tonawanda, NY 03=March 02=2nd Day CMJ=?

From internet searching, my best guess is that it is from a 1976 full size car 350. If I buy parts for a Caprice or Impala will I be okay? Anyone know what kinds of cars were being built in Arlington during '76?

[SS Tim]

Well here is what it decodes as per a couple of lists. Are you sure of you numbers and letters?! Sounds like a basic 350, but... To know exactly what you now have, you would need to tear it down. What parts are you needing? Does it run now? You could very well have a car short or long block with truck accessories that was transplanted into your truck.

[Stevo427]

From what I see CMJ stands for 1974 Trans-T400 Police 4BBL Carb and came in a Fullsize car...So your engine came out of a cop car.

[SS Tim]

Well the problem is the block is a '76 not a '74 and I am having a hard time finding something definitive I trust. It is very unlikely a cop car motor but at that point they were nothing special. Here is a clip showing some more CMJ suffix codes. A dealer parts for '76 would be a good place to start as I don't have much documentation for these smog years cars. Still think it was about a 145hp smogger smallbock. Might be a '76 Chevelle or Impala/Caprice engine. 36 years later it could be anything!Done looking!

[bruceman1968]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Well the problem is the block is a '76 not a '74 Still think it was about a 145hp smogger smallbock. Might be a '76 Chevelle or Impala/Caprice engine.

Tim is right. It is a 350cid, 145hp, 350auto trans, rpo L-65, 2bbl, federal smog,
from a 76 impala or 76 chevelle.

[dracula4999]

If you know the year of it, it doesnt matter what it came out of as far as buying parts. A 350 is a 350, bout the only thing that ever changed was the rear main seal and oil pan. What parts do you need to buy?

[malebean16]

The engine is running pretty well, however it has oil leaks. I need to replace the head gaskets (and therefore intake gasket) and maybe the rear seal. There is visable seepage out of the head gasket and it is also dripping oil near the filter but it doesn't seem to be coming out of the pan (see picture). If I ever get in there I will be replacing the oil pan gasket as well.

The automatic transmission and transfer case also have slow leaks, but I think they are original (re-built) to the truck.

[SS Tim]

If you need to do all that I'd pull it, clean and inspect it. Maybe do the valves or at least the valve seals. Add a coat of paint well......

[dracula4999]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

If you need to do all that I'd pull it, clean and inspect it. Maybe do the valves or at least the valve seals. Add a coat of paint well......

Agreed! Thats what i would do too. Buy an engine gasket kit from local parts store, couple of cans of engine paint, take apart, clean, and put back together.

[malebean16]

Thanks for all the info. Now I just need to find a place to spill my oil on while taking the whole thing apart.

[sir_talk_alot]

Does it fall on its face when you stomp it? 145 hp, good old mid/late 70s, bbc 454 didnt have much more than that in the same time period.

[malebean16]

Originally Posted by sir_talk_alot

Does it fall on its face when you stomp it?

There is definitely a lag between stomping and going. Even without stomping on it, when I give the gas pedal a little push the engine seems to sputter, so I have to give it more in order to get a response.