I just brought back my 350 from a 5 and a half hour trip. So now Im sitting here checking the codes to see what I'm working with. I cant find the VIN for anything. I can find the nickel percent content the basic gm code that says its a 350 or a 305 and two 3 digit sets by the oil filter. The big kicker is that the heads have the code 1402660 which seems to pop up as 305 heads EVERYWHERE. Is there anyway my block could still be a 350 or anyone who could provide a picture of where it should be. Its an early model 350 before 86
code # 3970010

 

its a 4 bolt main if that helps

 

according to nastyz28.com casting number 3970010 is 327 for 1968 and 350 for 69-79

 

thanks Im just not 100 percent sure and it makes me illl

 

Measure the cylinder bore.

 

I don't have the tools for that at the moment, but thank you.

 

On the driver side back of the block should be a 5.0L 5.7L or something like that
just behind the head on the block that should let you know what size the block is. If thats not there then you might have to measure the bore.

 

not all of them have that tho, i think it was post 86 blocks? mine 71 350 dont have it

 

mine is pre 86 Im going to have to call a friend to bring his tool over to measure the bore. The guy I got it from said he used the 305 heads just bored them out yada yada yada.

 

If it's there, its stamped on the pad on the head mount surface in front of the passenger side bank. You have the casting #, so the VIN isn't as important.
Nickel percent is an urban myth. If you're seeing "010", that is just the last 3 digits of the casting #, 3970010, which is a 4" bore block. It doesn't stand for "10% nickel". Could be either a 327 or 350, odds are it's a 350.
You're missing some digits there. 305 heads can be put on a 350, but it's still a 350.
If it has a 3.48" stroke crank, it's a 350.

 

I appreciate all the comments. I've just never made a big purchase like this and it was a friend of a friend. I'm from new orleans so I'm not used to people doing the RIGHT thing. It's a 350 for sure and I'm painting it this weekend so expect some pictures people.

Thanks for the input everyone

 

was that the 350 on craigs list in Shreveport

 

No, I picked this one up in Hardy, Arkansas