Ok so I recently got the car and I'm getting parts for it but don't know what engine I have. The I got it from said the engine was replaced efore and he thinks its a 350. I have tried looking for the block number but can't see it. But however I see two numbers on top. These are the numbers in the picture. Can anyone tell me the specs on the engine, the year, and what it may have came out of. http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/r...IAIMAG0036.jpg

 

what is the casting number behind the drivers side cylinder head ?

 

3973487

 

and the casting number on the block ?

 

those heads are 3973487....71-72...350 76cc could be 194 or 202,

 

Nice clear stamped codes. I can clearly see the suffix code CGC

CGC =
1971
350
245hp
2bbl
Automatic transmission behind it

Engine is from an El Camino

 

Ok, well we looked up the number near the heads which i didnt list and it shows a 305, Possible its a 350 with 305 heads?

Or whats the best way to see the Block number, Theres to much stuff blocking my view.

 

Ok, i looked up the number myself online and found out they are infact 350 heads as tunedperformanc stated, Person i called said 305, but they may have misheard a number or two, i have no clue.

A 4 BBL edelbrock carbs were installed, just wondering how much of a increase in hp (just a rought estimate) would it get?

Im also installing a new water pump, timing chain, and performance cam/lifter kit. How much do you think that could increase. Were getting RV Cams.

 

1971 was the last year that engines HP was measured in SAE gross HP. SAE gross measures horsepower at the flywheel, but with no accessories to bog it down. This is the bare engine with nothing but the absolute essentials attached to it. Little more than a carb, fuel pump, oil pump, and water pump.

Starting in 1972, all HP is SAE net. This rating is measured at the flywheel, on an engine dyno, but the engine is tested with all accessories installed, including a full exhaust system, all pumps, the alternator, the starter, and emissions controls.

Even though that old 1971 engine was rated at 245 HP, if it was measured with SAE net, it was probably closer to 170 HP (or less considering it only had a 2 barrel).

What you get after changing the cam, intake, heads etc can only be found out by putting the engine on a dyno. Engine dyno HP is only bragging rights and used to tune the engine. Chassis dyno is what you get to the wheels to actually move the car. The amount of HP the engine can make is always limited by the heads. Those 1971 castings are really poor compared to more modern designs and are probably in need of a rebuild. By the time you spend all the money to make those old heads better (port and polish, screw in studs, larger valves, larger spring pockets etc), you can buy aftermarket heads for the same price that will out perform those old heads right out of the box.