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Classic/Antique Car Repair/block casting numbers

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Expert: - 8/24/2008


Question
I have a 1980 camaro z28. I'm trying to figure out if the engine is original. I found a casting number of 3970010. I also found this number on the front passengers side v0217cub. I found this number on the inside of each valve cover on the head 333882.Can you tell by this info what size the engine is and if it is the right one for my car? Thanks

Answer
This engine was origionaly in a 1977 Vette or a B body GM car. If in the Vette it was rated at 165 horses with a 4 barrel carb. In the B body it was rated at 170 horses with a 4 barrel c arb. It is a 350 block and the casting number could indicate a build date of 1966 through 1979. In the Vette it was the L48 package.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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