Casting Numbers For Big Block Chevy: Everything You Need To Know
Certainly, the aftermarket has done a fantastic job of producing performance engine blocks for chevy. However, there are instances when an aftermarket engine block is not what you need. Sometimes an original engine block is what you require, either for a thorough restoration or a low-cost rebuild.
Cast or stamped numbers are used to help identify each Chevrolet Big Block engine. The big-block engine casting numbers serve as a means of distinguishing an engine block by designating the casting number, the year of manufacturing, and the CID (cubic-inch displacement).
Nevertheless, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to casting numbers for big block chevy. So without any further ado, let’s get started.
Casting Numbers For Big Block Chevy: Chart
Before we even dig into the details, we thought that a chart would certainly come in handy. If you know all the ins and outs, then only this chart will help you identify everything you need to know. So here it is!
Casting Number | Year | Cubic-inch displacement | HP/RPO/Remark |
340220 | 1972-76 | 427 | tall truck |
345014 | 1974-86 | 454 | truck |
346236 | 1974-76 | 454 | 215, 2 bolt |
359070 | 1974-90 | 454 | truck |
361959 | 1973-85 | 454 | car & truck |
364776 | 1968-84 | 427 | tall truck |
364779 | 1968-88 | 366 | tall truck |
473478 | 1968-84 | 427 | tall truck |
3782870 | 1968-76 | 427 | tall truck |
3855061 | 1965-67 | 396 | None |
3855961 | 1966-67 | 396 | 325, 360, 2 bolt |
3855962 | 1965-66 | 396 | 360, 375, 425, 4 bolt |
3855977 | 1965-67 | 366 | tall truck |
3866961 | 1966-69 | 396 | Chevy, Chevy truck |
3869942 | 1966-67 | 427 | 390, 425, 2&4 bolt |
3873858 | 1966 | 396 | 375, 4 bolt |
3902406 | 1967 | 396 | 325, 350, 375, 2&4 bolt |
3902466 | 1965-67 | 396 | None |
3904351 | 1967 | 427 | 385, 390, 400, 425, 430, 435, 2&4 bolt |
3904354 | 1966-67 | 366 | tall truck |
3916319 | 1968-85 | 366 | tall truck |
3916321 | 1968 | 427 | 385, 390, 400, 425, 430, 435, 2&4 bolt |
3916323 | 1968 | 396 | 325, 350, 375, 2&4 bolt |
3918319 | 1966-70 | 366 | Chevy truck, GMC, tall truck |
3925521 | 1968-85 | 366 | tall truck |
3928319 | 1969-73 | 366 | GMC, tall truck |
3935439 | 1968-69 | 427 | 335, 390, 400, 425, 430, 435, 2&4 bolt |
3935440 | 1968-69 | 396 | 265, 325, 350, 375, 2&4 bolt |
3937724 | 1968-85 | 366 | tall truck |
3937726 | 1968-84 | 427 | tall truck |
3955270 | 1969 | 427 | 335, 390, 400, 425, 430, 435, 2&4 bolt |
3946052 | 1969 | 427 | 430 ZL-1, 4 bolt, aluminum |
3955272 | 1969 | 396/402 | 265, 325, 350, 375, 2&4 bolt |
3955274 | 1968-85 | 366 | tall truck |
3955276 | 1968-84 | 427 | tall truck |
3963512 | 1969-71 | 427 | 335, 390, 400, 425 COPO, 430, 435, |
3963513 | 1973-76 | 454 | 345, 360, 365, 390, 425, 450 2&4 bolt |
3965440 | 1968-69 | 454 | 215 |
3965449 | 1968-72 | 396 | None |
3965540 | 1968 | 396 | None |
3969854 | 1969-72 | 396 | None |
3969858 | 1968-84 | 396/402 | 240, 265, 300, 325, 330, 350, 375 |
3999289 | 1972-78 | 454 | 360, 2&4 bolt |
3999290 | 1972 | 427 | tall truck |
3999293 | 1968-85 | 454 | 215, 235, 240, 270, 2 bolt, car & truck |
3999294 | 1968-84 | 402 | 240, 2 bolt |
6272176 | 1968-76 | 366 | Chevy, GMC, tall truck |
6272177 | 1972 | 402 | 210 |
6272181 | 1973-76 | 427 | tall truck |
1401544 | 1975-87 | 454 | truck |
What Is A Casting Number?
When purchasing and installing new parts in their engine, car owners must have a thorough understanding of casting numbers. These engraved digits, which are frequently visible on an engine block, portray a range of useful information.
They are; the year of manufacturing, the CID (cubic-inch displacement), and the place of the engine’s production.
This number enables the vehicle’s owner to buy parts that are compatible with the model year and manufacturer of their engine. To avoid problems later, especially if you intend to replace parts or perform some repairs yourself, it is crucial to research your car and match the numbers.
Where Are The Casting Numbers Located?
Out of this big block, searching for the casting numbers can get tricky. Moreover, there are other things as well which can get you confused. However, it’s not really hard when you know where exactly to look.
At the start, pay attention to the engine’s front. On the front pad, which is essentially the passenger side front, there may be a casting number. However, there is a possibility that it will become covered and impossible to locate.
As a result, the back of the block is where you should head next. In essence, it is the block on the driver’s side. You will find a 6 or 7-digit number here. So you probably have found the casting number you were looking for.
What Are The Alphabets Beside The Casting Numbers?
Individual letters like “GM” or “CFD” for the Central Foundry Division may occasionally be seen on blocks. However, they are not a part of the block casting number.
Additionally, the capacity of the engine is shown in letters rather than alphabets on the recent blocks. So you don’t need to depend on the alphabet to get to know about it.
How To Read A Dirty Big Block
Before you can read them, there can be a ton of grime and grease covering them that has to be removed. It can make it more difficult to read them, especially when they are positioned inside your vehicle. Thankfully, the casting numbers are on the rear of the block.
You can always use a mirror and a little perseverance to reach and view the difficult-to-reach spots. On the other hand, some people will additionally rub the dates and numbers on the block’s back ledge with a piece of aluminum foil.
Here’s Another Way You Can Do it! Check Out This video
Conclusion
To conclude, that was all you needed to know about casting numbers for big block chevy. Yes, it can be intimidating if you haven’t worked with it before. However, once you have taken the block out and found out the casting number, it’s all straightforward from now on.
Simply note down the engraved numbers and match them with the chart to find the year of manufacturing, and the CID (cubic-inch displacement). Yes, they are extremely vital when you have something to replace in your Chevy.
Nevertheless, you might come across a dirty block where the numbers aren’t that visible. For that, you can use rub the dates and numbers on the block’s back ledge with a piece of aluminum foil.
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