Decoding my engine

[pcdave]

Hey guys, new to the forum. I picked up my 68 LWB C10 about 2 months ago...it was an older restoration, floorpans solid, rockers solid, just needed some general cleanup, some surface rust repair, and new bed floor.

Anyway, I am considering my powerplant options. The "350" that is in it runs ok, but it is a little tired and I have been looking at the 5.3L swaps. Before I run off and tackle that, I'd like to know what is in the truck...the previous owner said it was a 350, but he also had the timing set at 36+ degrees and the thing ran like hell until I stuck a light on it.

The casting number off the block is 3970010...which could be a 302/327/350, from my searches on the web. I checked the VIN on the truck, it was a factory 327 truck. If it miraculously is the original engine, I'd like to retain it (freshen it up) ... if not, then it doesnt much matter.

Can someone clue me in on how to verify the engine further, short of pulling it?

Thanks!

[oldno7]

There should be some more numbers in front of the pas side head those will tell if its a car/truck and year, just went throuth the same thing a month ago thinking mine was a 327 and it's not offcourse

[bruceman1968]

Originally Posted by pcdave

The casting number off the block is 3970010...which could be a 302/327/350, from my searches on the web. I checked the VIN on the truck, it was a factory 327 truck.

Can someone clue me in on how to verify the engine further, short of pulling it?

Thanks!

PCDave, sounds like a great truck, pics would be awesome. In 1968 the VIN number doesn't tell what size the motor is. Just if it's a I-6 or V-8. The standard V-8 in 68 was the 307. If your truck had the 327 or 396 it will be listed on the SPID(glovebox option sheet) as a option.
To identify the motor in the truck now, you need 3 numbers from the motor. The 1st one you have, 3970010 is the casting number and your decode of it is right. Next you want the engine ID number located on the block pad in front of the passenger side head. And sometimes you need the casting date, located on the rear flange of the block, near the bellhousing. See PIC. Grab the engine ID number, post it up, and we can go from there.
And WELCOME to the board

[pcdave]

Originally Posted by bruceman1968

PCDave, sounds like a great truck, pics would be awesome. In 1968 the VIN number doesn't tell what size the motor is. Just if it's a I-6 or V-8. The standard V-8 in 68 was the 307. If your truck had the 327 or 396 it will be listed on the SPID(glovebox option sheet) as a option.
To identify the motor in the truck now, you need 3 numbers from the motor. The 1st one you have, 3970010 is the casting number and your decode of it is right. Next you want the engine ID number located on the block pad in front of the passenger side head. And sometimes you need the casting date, located on the rear flange of the block, near the bellhousing. See PIC. Grab the engine ID number, post it up, and we can go from there.
And WELCOME to the board
Attachment 1258625

Good stuff, I'll poke around and see what I can find.

...a few pics of the new ride:


The day I drove it home


Quick pic of the interior, same day


Truck as it sits now, with new Boss 330s on it (22 in rear, 20 in front)

Not sure if I like the new wheels now that I have them...just need to get he body work sorted and some new color on...so far no rot, just some surface rust thats needs to be cleaned up.