I picked up a free engine, I was told it was a 327. I got the Casting number off of it, What I think it says is 395668, theres something between the 6 and 8 that I cant tell what it is. I dont know if I read it correctly, as it is very hard to read. I know its either a 327 or a 350, just trying to figure out which one. I know theres 3956618 which is a 350, but there is also 3955618 which is a 327. If theres any other ways to tell for sure please let me know.


Thanks in advance.


Edit: Ok I have to go find the head casting numbers, will that even ID it for sure?

 

if this helps at all it came out of a truck and it has a 2bbl carb. I cant get the head casting yet because I dont wanna tear the valve cover off just yet, I need to see if it starts and see how it runs. It turns over just fine...need to throw a distributor cap on it hook up the plugs and wires, and get some gas and start the sucker.

 

Another way to tell is to look at the engine suffix code on the front of the block. This really helps when you have the same casting number-different engine size debacle that many chevy owners have come across. The code will be a series of 3 letters stamped into the block near where the alternator bolts to the front of the block on the passenger side. Also look at the date of the block in the back by the casting number. This also helps to an extent. If the date is after 1970, the answer is simple and it's a large journal 350, no 327's were made after 69.


Cheers!!!

 

Casting numbers don't mean a lot. The common 010 casting was used on 302, 327 and 350 engines over a number of years. Get the suffix code. It will tell you a lot more about the engine.

 

Im gonna get the suffix code tomorrow, its dark out now, I think Ill get the head casting too, I will just have to use some forma gasket to put the valve cover back on. Im not sure if Im going to build this, or sell it and get a pontiac 400 yet. depends on what it is. Im actually hoping that its a 350, I will tear the whole pulley system off tomorrow so I can clean it up. Its funny, its still got the alternator on it...I got lucky because there was antifreeze in the block not just water, hate people that are to cheap to buy antifreeze.

And just curious, how much could I get for an old 3speed manual tranny?

 

3956618....302.....69....4...Z-28 Camaro
3956618....327...68-69...2
3956618....350.....69....2 or 4

that sorta narrows it down

 

well I went out and took some pics of the engine with my digital. I dont have any place to kepp it just yet, so I have it covered up outside. And its raining today so there goes my plans of getting it IDed today.

 

618 is a 4" block used in the late 60s and early 70s. Which means, it's nearly 40 years old by now.

Although not impossible, it's HIGHLY UNLIKELY that whatever it is, it's still the "original" motor as described by the stamping code. I.e. you can decode codes from now til Doomsday, and all they'll tell you is what motor that block was originally part of; they won't tell you what parts are actually inside it, TODAY.

The ONLY way to know for sure what it is, is to take it apart and look at the crank (or pistons). Since you're going to be tearing it down anyway, measure the "compression height" of a piston; if it's between 1.20" and 1.23" from the top of the piston to the top of the pin bore it's a 327. If it's between 1.05" and 1.1", it's a 350. You can also identify it by the crank casting or forging number.

Looks like a Saginaw 3-speed.... pretty much worthless. Probably not worth the gasoline it took to haul it from wherever it was to wherever it is now. I think you can probably get about 3¢ a pound for it; it would be worth more if it was all cast iron, but the steel inside it makes it worth less.

 

Ok I finally got it all figured out. Casting Number=3956618 Suffix Code=K0117FB So it is a 235HP 327. So now I need all the info on what this engine can do, since I plan on building it, and no its not getting changed to a 350 or a 383 unless I absolutely have to. Im going to use my 305 Heads,intake manifold and carb most likely, seeing as it has a 2bbl.

 

No.... The BLOCK, and nothing but, WAS a whatever, at first. No telling what it IS now until you observe its innards. Might still be that, might not.

If it happens to be a 327 and you build it back as a 327, it'll do EXACTLY the same as a 350 or a 383; except, only 93% or 85% as much of it, respectively. In other words, same money, less results. Somehow I fail to see how that's a good idea. But that's not my problem I guess. So to answer your question, it'll do 93% of what a 350 will do, or 85% as much as a 383 will do.

 

what heads are on it now ?

make sure youre upgrading rather than downgrading by putting 305 heads on it

those 327 heads should be 1.94 valves

305 were almost always 1.84 valves, especially 4416 ones


1955 FB 265 Power Pack, glide 155 4 car & truck
1969 FB 327 Powerglide 235 2 full size


good luck

 

I guess Ill have to decide which heads to use once I have it apart. I have to wait a little while, gotta make the extra money for the rebuild kit, and enough for a machine shop to hone the cylinders. I cant wait to get started. Its my first engine build, so Imma need the help from the members of TGO every step of the way.

 

K0117FB

K = St. Catherines, Ontario engine plant so it's a Canadian engine
0117 = Jan 17
FB was used twice. I doubt the engine is a 265 CID from 1955 based on the casting number so the other one is...

FB = 1969 327 CID. It originally had a powerglide behind it. Rated at 235 HP with a 2 BBL. Installed in full size cars.

 

well My dad told me to find some fuelie heads, he might have some somewhere but Imma go by a local salvage yard and see if they have any, they have tons of old chevys.

 

Use your 305 heads.

 

30 years ago these were the hot ticket as there wasn't very many choices from the aftermarket. By today's standards, they're boat anchors. There are much better heads available. Even a cheap set of Dart Sportsman heads will out perform the old heads with no work down to them and the castings are much better.

 

well right now Im doing an extremely low budget build, Im getting lower quality stuff till I can afford better stuff. Right now Im working to make the money for the rebuild stuff. And I have to build a temporary building to work on it in, no garage. I would have a garage if my mom didnt change it into a horse barn.

 

ok looks like Im useing my 305 intake manifold and heads, with the quadrajet.....now how about cams.....I have no idea what would be optimum. Im going to be using the exhaust manifolds from the 327 but they will be ported.