I have a small problem and am turning to people who I think can help... I am trying to find out if the 3rd gen Camaro or Firebird ever came from the factory with four bolt mains. Even specialty productions like the Police B4C. I know that the Corvette L98 was in a special Trans-Am in '91 or '92. Any help and info or giving me alocation to get concrete info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks...

[This message has been edited by arthur (edited January 31, 2001).]

 

The only 4 bolt blocks in a third gen that I'm aware of were a few "warranty" engines. I've heard that the warranty engines were 4 bolts for some reason. I'm sure somebody will correct me if I'm wrong or can give you more details. Later

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'87GTA w/ SLP Cold Air, MSD Coil, Airfoil, Gutted MAF, AFPR, TES Headers, HI-FLOW CAT, Flowmaster Catback, Energy Suspension Master Bushing Kit

 

Thanks for the info Jay. Does anybody know where I can find this info with a more concrete background? I need to get documents to support or info from GM or something because this is to satisfy the rulebook for autocross classes. Any assistance is appreciated. Thanks...

 

BTW Arthur, the Vette L98 is only a 2 bolt main also. ALL L98s are two bolts.

 

why do you need GM documentation for a 4 bolt block in a stock 3rd gen for auto-x? just wondering. You might want to look for 91-92 Pontiac Firehawk documentation, im pretty sure that they would have 4-bolts if any 3rd gen had them. Hope that helps

 

no thirdgen came with a 4bolt from the factory

 

the 1991-1992 Firehawks (RPO B4U) came with 4-bolt main blocks that were installed by SLP. They were actually pre-1987 truck blocks with SPO L98 aluminum heads.

 

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[This message has been edited by jimbo (edited February 22, 2001).]

 

Here's a list of 4 bolt GM small blocks:

68-69 302 (Camaro Z28)
69 and up 350 Truck engines
69-72 350 LT1 (Camaro Z28; Corvette)

It's actually better to get machine shops to install some holes for 4 bolt mains because they can make them at an angle which makes them stronger.

 

In addition to the above list of four bolt main small blocks, I have personally built several four-bolt main engines from 1970 (and I have seen a few from '69) 300-horse 350s, most commonly in Impalas, Caprices, Camaros, Corvettes, Chevelles, etc.

Look for 4 barrel Quadrajet carb, dual exhaust and the 300 horse sticker. If it is original, it most likely is a 4-bolt main.

Another surprise in the 300-horse 350 is many times you will find the 'camel hump' or 'double hump' heads with the accessory bolt holes in the ends.

Many a STRONG engine have been built out of 300-horse 350s. The earlier four-bolt main blocks were much stronger (better and more material) than the mid-seventies and later versions (even the truck blocks). Grandma's old Impala can be hiding 500 horses!
jms