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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Chevy BB Identification

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Expert: - 5/8/2010


Question
I have a chevy BB engine that has had both the block casting numbers at the back by the trans and the serial number by the passenger valve cover ground off.  What (if any) are the other ways to possibly identify the original use (car, truck, marine)and displacement of the block?

thanx

JMN

Answer
It sounds like you may have found the long missing Al Capone get a way car engine. Just kidding. To be absolutely sure of the use for this engine when new there is no way that I know of minus the numbers. The same bore and stroke block was used in many different applications. Now, if the rods, or main caps have any numbers on them if they are origonal they might lead you in a direction.
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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