350 block?

[lsj]

My brother gave me an engine block the other day as an early christmas presant, he told me that if i find out what i need for the engine and buy everything he will help me put it together. He didnt say anything about the engine so i have no idea how big it is. I checked out the block and it has GM stamped on it so im assuming its a chevy block, i have a piston that i bought from a junk yard a while ago that is too small for the cylinder, i know the piston is from a chevy v8, the engine was on the ground in front of the camaro. I dont know if this will help but the cylinder is 4'' across. i know how to find out how big it is by measuring but i dont have the tools and i wont be able to measure the stroke. I know i will need a cam, bearings, pistons, rods, intake, valves, springs etc. In your experiences how much does it cost to build an engine from scratch, i want it to have at least 375-425hp n/a, money wont be a prob but i dont want to put that much into it unless i have to. Btw, if ur wondering, i dont have a car for it yet but i want to put it into a 68 camaro. How would i go about finding out how big this engine is? thanks guys, john.

[79cj5_350]

There should be a number stamped into the block next to the"GM" Its most likely on the left rear of the block as your standing behind it where the bellhousing is attached. If you look up that number, it will tell you small block, big block, what size ect. Do a search on google for engine casting numbers and you will find lots of sites where you can match up your numbers. As far as getting that many hores out of a, lets assume small block, Your probably talking around 3500.00 to 5,000.00 depending on how fancy you get with the heads. Just a idea, but you might want to check out a "crate" engine from summit racing or somewhere like that, you can buy them already assembled, almost turn key for around the same as building it yourself only without the banged up fingers and long nights in the garage not to mention they come with a warrenty! Here is an example of what the number might look like GM 3970010
That's the number on mine and it's a 4 bolt main 350 made from 77'-79'

Any other question, i'd be happy to help. Good Luck!

[shakerII]

You can go to mortec.com for chevy engine casting numbers. They have the bore and stroke numbers too. Good luck with your build.