350 sbc
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Engine: 350 40 over
Transmission: T5
350 sbc
I have a 350 sbc in my 1989 camaro and im trying to figure out what year the block is and the casting number on the back drivers side starts with 57L6 then like next to it it has three more numbers 56 and i cant make out the third but ive tried searching the first four to get a general idea but nothing comes up in the searches. any ideas or suggestions?
trying to find the year to start looking for possibly a new crank because of a knocking sound in the bottom end
trying to find the year to start looking for possibly a new crank because of a knocking sound in the bottom end
Last edited by ray1989; 05-05-2011 at 09:10 PM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LI, NY
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 355
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: 350 sbc
Cam wouldn't give you a knocking sound in the bottom end. Its not part of the bottom end.
Bottom end noise could be main crank bearings, or more likely rod bearings. Usually do to inadequacy in the oil and oil supply.
Bottom end noise could be main crank bearings, or more likely rod bearings. Usually do to inadequacy in the oil and oil supply.
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
16 Posts
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: 350 sbc
I think you need more numbers. There should be 6 or 7 digit number on the block - then search Google for SBC casting numbers and you'll find many sites with info. For example, my 350 has 3970010 on it.
#5
Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Gold Bar, WA
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 83 Z28, 85 Burb
Engine: 305 Carbureted
Transmission: 5 Speed
Re: 350 sbc
If I remember correctly, on the passenger side front of the block next to the cylinder head are some numbers stamped on a pad that should tell to the actual "birthday" of your engine. Sometimes they get milled off when the engine gets rebuilt tho. Hope this helps.
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: Lots of 'em
Re: 350 sbc
There is no block casting number that I know of that starts with a 5. It's more than likely going to start with a 3. If not, a 1. There's a few that start with a 4, and one that starts with a 6.
Pull the valve covers off and find the head casting numbers, they're easier to find. That'll give you a general idea of what year the block is from if the heads are original.
For example, I have 462624 heads and a 3970010 block. 462624 heads were made from 1976 to 1987. 3970010 blocks were made from 1968 to 1979. That tells me that if the heads are original to the block, it only could have been made sometime between 1976 and 1979. I also have a 3932442 crankshaft, made from 1969 to 1985, but that doesn't narrow it down anymore than the heads and block already do.
Good luck with figuring it out. I was very curious about figuring out what I have. Finally pulled it, pulled the oil pan off, and discovered it's a 4 bolt block. So, I may build a 383 in the near future.
Pull the valve covers off and find the head casting numbers, they're easier to find. That'll give you a general idea of what year the block is from if the heads are original.
For example, I have 462624 heads and a 3970010 block. 462624 heads were made from 1976 to 1987. 3970010 blocks were made from 1968 to 1979. That tells me that if the heads are original to the block, it only could have been made sometime between 1976 and 1979. I also have a 3932442 crankshaft, made from 1969 to 1985, but that doesn't narrow it down anymore than the heads and block already do.
Good luck with figuring it out. I was very curious about figuring out what I have. Finally pulled it, pulled the oil pan off, and discovered it's a 4 bolt block. So, I may build a 383 in the near future.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Engine: 350 40 over
Transmission: T5
Re: 350 sbc
Thanks guys i did see the numbers on the passenger side like next to the watter pump but i could only make out like 1243 at the end i think. and i saw a similar post just like mine but it had no answer to my problem.
here is the other post maybe someone can look at this one and get an idea
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ers-block.html
btw the heads are not original to the 350 i have because they are vortec and i was told the 350 was taken from a 90's suburban but who knows. im just trying to find a general year in case i have to get a new crank
here is the other post maybe someone can look at this one and get an idea
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ers-block.html
btw the heads are not original to the 350 i have because they are vortec and i was told the 350 was taken from a 90's suburban but who knows. im just trying to find a general year in case i have to get a new crank
Trending Topics
#8
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,120
Likes: 0
Received 123 Likes
on
104 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: 350 sbc
Bad cam bearings will give low oil pressure especially when the oil gets hot. Bad main bearings will give low oil pressure until they get bad enough to seize the crank. Neither should give a knocking sound.
Knocking is usually rod related. Normally rod bearings, loose caps etc. Depending on the sound, it could also be a wrist pin.
Guy at work had a knocking sound in his 4.0L jeep. About 4 weeks later, it spit a rod out the side of his block.
Knocking is usually rod related. Normally rod bearings, loose caps etc. Depending on the sound, it could also be a wrist pin.
Guy at work had a knocking sound in his 4.0L jeep. About 4 weeks later, it spit a rod out the side of his block.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
IROCZDAVE (88-L98)
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
1
11-19-2015 07:03 AM
Eric-86sc
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
08-24-2015 09:01 PM