In Over My Head?

[steelscout]

Maybe...but I am going to do what it takes to get this baby running good...

I recently purchased a 69 CST/10, 350sbc with T400 transmission, came with dealer installed saddle tanks. It has a Carter AFB carb, 4 wheel drum brakes, and power steering. The A/C unit has been removed, the Radiator for the A/C is still connected and from the seller appears to be running to the trans, by the way seller only had truck for less than a week.

We discovered that she was running on 7 cyl. so when I got her home (40ish miles away) I went to my local auto parts store and purchased plugs and wires for a 1969, apparently my engine isnt, no worries, I took a spark plug out (had fuel and oil mix on it) took it to the store and learned that my engine is a late 70s 350 probably 1977-79. I replaced all the plugs and wires, except for the number 6 plug, its stuck and haven't figured out how to get it out without breaking the ceramic, bolt is somewhat stripped so I am thinking it was cross-threaded in (lame)....either way I at least replaced the wire, now she runs on all 8 cyl. except now she stalls/sputters when reved and idles really low then dies after a few minutes. I am thinking its the carb and/or timing, couldn't have been good to run her on 7/8 cyl.

I have some paperwork, receipts and service records for the truck, seems she stopped getting love around 10 years ago.

My engine ID 3970010, which if I am reading right is 69-79 255-350hp 4 bolt main, the other options was it was a 302, and from reading here 99.99999 % sure it is a 350. I agree.

What I am trying to figure out is, what year the engine is? so when I get parts (carb, water pump etc...) I get the right ones. I am not skilled at this, but I would like to be and that is why I bought her. I have replaced oil pans, alts and starters before so I am little bit mechanical, at least for bolt on applications.

my truck is my avatar, I have engine pictures which I will upload tomorrow

thanks for any help advice answers

Ray

[Longhorn Man]

welcome to the forums!
I can't help with your specific questions, but I can tell you your truck is a somewhat rare color... that maroon is a one year only color. Can you post photos of the truck and inside the cab when you post the motor photos?

[Lee H]

Nice truck. I'm sure you'll get it running well soon. Easy to tell what engine you have. Get the date code off the read passenger side deck, it will be a letter and a few numbers. Then get all the stamped numbers off the pad on the passenger side front.

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by steelscout

snip
My engine ID 3970010, which if I am reading right is 69-79 255-350hp 4 bolt main, the other options was it was a 302, and from reading here 99.99999 % sure it is a 350. I agree.

What I am trying to figure out is, what year the engine is? so when I get parts (carb, water pump etc...) I get the right ones. I am not skilled at this, but I would like to be and that is why I bought her. I have replaced oil pans, alts and starters before so I am little bit mechanical, at least for bolt on applications.

snip

Originally Posted by Lee H

Nice truck. I'm sure you'll get it running well soon. Easy to tell what engine you have. Get the date code off the read passenger side deck, it will be a letter and a few numbers. Then get all the stamped numbers off the pad on the passenger side front.

Lee H has you pointed in the right direction. Actually I think it is a few numbers then 2 or 3 letters. Post those numbers/letters off the front of the engine here or do a quick google search to find one of the many decoders out there on the internets.
And don't be surprised if your 3970010 block is a 2-bolt main. I currently have in my possession both a 2-bolt main and 4-bolt main 350 that have 3970010 stamped on the block. It could be either one.

Since everybody likes pictures, here is my current truck engine that started life as a 2-bolt main, 3970010 block, out of a 1971 Monte Carlo. It is currently a 383 and works quite well for my application.

[steelscout]

Awesome!! I willl get those pictures and numbers on here today, and I will research to find out the 2 or 4 bolt.

Thanks!!

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by steelscout

Awesome!! I willl get those pictures and numbers on here today, and I will research to find out the 2 or 4 bolt.

Thanks!!

The only way to be sure is to drop the oil pan and count bolt heads.
Don't let the 2 or 4 bolt thing scare you. Either one will work for 99.9997% of us in the world.

Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe if you're worried about the bottom end, a machine shop can make a 2-bolt stronger than a stock 4-bolt by putting two more bolts in at an angle.

[helldiablo]

i looked in one of my books some of these might be useful to you.....

Chevrolet Block Casting Number Reference

Number Engine M-Blts Year Description
Small blocks
3956618 350 2 or 4 69
3956632 307 2 69
3959512 327 2 62-63
3970010 302 4 69 Z-28 Camaro
3970010 350 2 or 4 69-80
3970014 350 2 or 4 72
3970020 307 2 70-73

looks like mrein3 is right could be 2or4bolt main definatly a 350.. could be anywhere from 1969-1980.. hope this helps,,,,, mr.diablo

[steelscout]

Thanks Mrdiablo!!

so yes upon doing research at work...I have learned (thanks mrein3) yes drop the pan and look to see what I have, that will happen this weekend hopefully.
But my biggest concern is when my engine was built so I can get the correct parts, and making her run good, orginally I bought sparks plugs for a 69 350, but when I pulled the old plug out it was completely different in size and thats when I learned (from the store mechanic) that it is late 70's engine.

I am still at work, so when I get done I can get those numbers/letters and do more research and I will post that as well

I really appreciate all the information, and thanks for the welcome to the forums, and I actually found my truck on here

[Longhorn Man]

Most of the stuff you'll be buying, won't matter the year. Keep a list of the part numbers of your tune up and service stuff, and order them that way. You already know the sparkler number now, no need to bore the kid at the computer with the whole "I have a 69 with a 70-something motor and I need..."
99% of the parts you'll need simply won't matter. Tell them it's a 69, and then look at the part before you rip the old one off.

[steelscout]

That sounds so simple and easy, I appreciate the advice and help!!

Ray

[allengator]

3970010 302 1969 Camaro Z/28 - 4 bolt main bearings
3970010 327 1969 2 bolt main bearings - trucks
3970010 350 1969 - 80 2 or 4 bolt main bearings


There is a chance that could be a 327 as well... I have also heard of 307's with this casting but have never been able to verify it.

As far as 2 vs 4 bolt... in my opinion its not worth dropping the oil pan to see.
It simply doesnt matter.... some even maintain that the 2 bolt has stonger webbing...
Everytime I built a 350, I gave ZERO thought to it... I built whatever core I had available!

The only way you can identify that engine with out pulling it apart and measuring is to look at the "pad" where the passenger side head meets the block. There should be a couple of number stamped into it... this will contain the rest of the puzzle.
Sometimes they can be very hard to read, and if the block was "decked" when rebuilt, they may have been removed in the process.

ALSO it is VERY possible (if not very likely) that the heads on that block are not original.
You can remove the valve covers and get the casting numbers and date codes off the heads.

BUT this information is not as vital as you may think...
You spoke of getting parts, such as water pump, etc...
Most of these parts have VERY little changes over the years...
Always take the old part with you to the parts store to verify you get the same one you need!

Most of these old trucks end up with a hodge-podge of stuff under the hood...
And its not really an issue!

[krazy_texan]

you could do like me. i have a had a few trucks and i just tell the parts store i need parts for a 1971 chevy 350 as long as you dont get into fuel injection 350 parts is 350 parts.

[mr48chev]

The suffix code on the pad in front of the passenger side valve cover

Should give you a pretty good indication of what the engine originally came out of.
If it doesn't have a number or code on the pad there is a chance that the engine is a Target motor or crate motor from GM. If you were to look up the suffix in the above photo you would find that the engine came out of a 79 Elcamino with an automatic.

4 bolt main engines "usually" have an eight inch diameter vibration dampener unless someone has changed the dampener.

As far as waterpumps there are "short" and long pumps. The short having almost no clearance between it and the timing cover and the long having between 3/4 and 1 inch clearance between the back of the pump and the timing cover. The long pump also has brackets cast into it to mount accessories.

[Indyuke]

With regards to the revving/sputtering/idling low and dying, that sounds like classic carburetor issues. Very easily fixed. If you don't have any recent maintenance records relating to the carb, you might think about putting a rebuild kit in it or even just adjusting it so it runs better for now.

[steelscout]

Here are some pictures and some more on the way

[steelscout]

and some more to include the dealer installed fuel selector switch

[steelscout]

I believe these are of the block ID??

[steelscout]

the first 3 of this set is multiples of the date plate? I will figure out what it means tonight, and I do apologize for so many pictures.

Thanks everyone I really do appreciate it.

Ray

[smallblockchev]

Wow I really like the color! Its going to be a nice runner when you get done with it.

[RCbowtie69]

good looking truck, keep on truckin''

[Longhorn Man]

Info that doesn't matter a whole lot... when looking at the photos, I noticed it was a very early 69. The books all called for the '69 CST package to come with a headliner and a cargo light. They didn't get the ball rolling soon enough and some were built without. Someone may try and tell you that you don't have a real CST since those are items we look for to validate the truck as a real CST. The door panels are specific to an early 69 also. 69 was a one year run on the upgraded door panels, and then they had an early 69 which is almost like the late 69 verson. The bow tie that is embossed in the centerr top indicates it as an early production. (can barely see it in this photo)

It took some messing with the photo of your SPID (option sheet) in a photo program, but I figured out your VIN, and it verifies how early of a truck it is, but again, some people will argue it to you. Your VIN decodes as;
CE149Z814627
C 2 wheel drive
E v8 gas (Not specified what CID or even family)
1 1/2 ton
4 cab with bed (not specified what kind or length)
9 1969 model year
Z built in freemont Cali
814627 Sequential number.
It's the last part that'll throw ppl off. The 8 in the 814627 doesn't mean 8 hundred thousand, or even 7 hundred thousand... it means the truck came off of assembly line #2 at that plant. So in reality, it is only the 14,627th off that line.
It's too bad the blue sticker in the door jamb is missing/covered;

If you were to take that mark IV stickker off, you may find a blue sticker under there with the month the truck was built.

Again, info not asked for, but still makes the truck a little more interesting.
And on a personal note... I love the 69 only maroon paint.

[swamp rat]

Definanatly a nice platform to start a build! Be sure to check out the parts for sale section if your looking for items. Just remember you cant sell unless you have an upgraded membership..

Forgot to add, if you have a stuck plug ya might try some penetrating spray like PB Blaster at the base of the threads, then let it sit overnight, spray and try again..

[steelscout]

Alrighty!! Thanks Longhorn Man, and I always appreciate history, and I agree it makes things a lot more interesting.

For the engine ID number/V.I.N. Code; I deciphered "V0712TJZ" which translates to;

V= Flint, Michigan
07= month, so July
12= day, so July 12th
TJZ= engine Suffix code of 1973/350/155hp/4bbls

Kind of cool, Like solving a mystery, up till now I have never heard of a 350sbc with 155hp, 255hp or more, doesn't matter I am not racing her later on I will up the hp...

As far as the Block Date code, that was difficult to get to as you can tell from pictures, but I think it says "C83" or "C93" but looking at some sites it looks to be a 4 digit set of letters and numbers, but best guess is it translates to March 08th 1973....correct me if I am off.

Swamp rat, sounds like an excellent plan, I will try the PB blaster tomorrow, thanks!!

And I am keeping the color as is, I love the color

[steelscout]

"The bow tie that is embossed in the centerr top indicates it as an early production. (can barely see it in this photo)"

I am not sure what exactly your talking about, and if you want I can get more pictures, just let me know the angle.

[Longhorn Man]

here you go...