How to find out what sbc you have..

[DeusEx]

I know i have a small block 350, i m just not sure if its 2 or 4 bolt and what verson it is, i hear they made 4 different models or something like that generation 2, 3, etc .. How do i find out all the info about my engine? It was built by the previous owner and had about 750 miles put on it and i want to start doing some more work to it i just want to know everything about it first.. i have some pics of the bay but nothing to close up yet if somebody wants to have an idea

[wrightz28]

Have the engine id # checked. It's on the front of the motor just below the cylinder head, right side I believe.

[DeusEx]

is there a site i can enter it in at like the online vin check things?

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by DeusEx

is there a site i can enter it in at like the online vin check things?

You can do a Google search on part numbers. Don't expect to be able to determine how many bolts your main caps have without dropping the pan - 2-bolt and 4-bolt blocks are generally available with the same casting numbers. The presence or absence of an oil pressure galley plug on the front of the block, above and to the left of the water pump is not a reliable indicator despite what you might hear.

[88camaroproject]

go to google and type in gm engine codes and look at a few of them. they usually have a list and you just scroll down till you find yours, the numbers is also on the back right of the motor near the drivers side cylinder head, its on the bell housing part so its facing the sky, grab a light and look at it.

[FormulaLT1]

I use this site but its not the most current so I am sure google like recommended will have nice results http://www.thedirtforum.com/castings.htm

[Rebel Racing 3]

I Have A Book to check block numbers and head numbers so if you get me the numbers of the back of the block i can tell you what you have

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by Rebel Racing 3

I Have A Book to check block numbers and head numbers so if you get me the numbers of the back of the block i can tell you what you have

cha-ching, Deusex, I think you have a new friend,

[DeusEx]

awsome rebel, ill get you the numbers i find once i get out there

[Rebel Racing 3]

No Prob

[1986Z28]

http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm

[1986Z28]

^thats what i use

[Blue Bowtie]

The HappyHydrocarbonBoy is right. Mortec can sometimes be a little slower in getting updates posted, but their data seems to be the most accurate.

There are so many variations built within the same casting number that you never know what you've got. You'll often find you may have to look at the additional casting number in the timing chain area or near the rear cam plug to determine it you have a high nickel/tin block or not, even though the casting numbers might be the same.

Frankly, you're actually probably better off starting with a two-bolt block, then machining for four bolt splayed main caps. They're quite a bit stronger than the factory 4-bolt arrangement.

You can usually find the casting numbers you'll need in either place:





If you look behind the timing cover, you might see either the numbers "010" or 020" which denote whether the block was cast with iron alloyed with either 1% or 2% extra nickel, respectively:

[Rebel Racing 3]

the book i use for checking engines was published by chevy