I think I found a motor for my 68 casting 3855961 says a 1966 396 or 427 I wish but I ask him for the suffix code he give me this number to613edh I tryed looking them up on I site didn't see the letters to make sure it what he says I no there's two sets of numbers on the pad he could only read the above numbers any help maybe am reading it wrong

 

The casting number is for a 396 or 427. Try to get the date off the rear of the engine near the casting number. Anything after 1969 would be a 402 or possibly a tall deck 427The suffix code on the deck is a little wierd. A 3 digit code indicates it was manufactured after 1969 but check the 3 digits again. 1st letter should start with a "C" EDH if that is correct could mean it may be a truck motor.

 

I asked if it was a tall deck he said. No it said pass on it and date on heads e 31 6. Which should mean 1966 heads casting 3872702 and its a 4 hour drive

 

I just looked in the how to build a rat motor book it says block casting 3855961 is only for 1966 block say no 402 then if the book is right

 

to613edh breaks down as:
T = Tonawanda engine plant
06 = June
13 = day of the month
ED = 1966-68 396/325 h.p. Chevelle (your casting date in back will confirm the year).
H = Holley carburetor
The 396 Chevelle came equipped with either a Holley or Rochester carb. If the engine was to come with a Rochester, the "H" code would instead be an "R".
The reason for the code was because the two different carbs required two different intake manifolds.
For extra points, I'll take a stab and say you have a 1966 engine.

 

Thanks for the help I tlod him if the numbers check out its a done deal road trip set for Sunday he said motors been sitting for years its complete and has a holley carb,and holley strip dominator intake, and turns over easy what are the odds off it running as is first thing should be a compression test I guess or should I post that as a question. Thanksagain

 

It could be a crap shoot, but if the price is right..... If the guy was smart, knowing he had a good engine, he should have kept the innards lubed and turned it over by hand periodically. Is the engine set up with a starter so you could do a compression test? Since it's been sitting for a while, a low reading could mean that the rings are stuck to the piston, but that doesn't mean the engine is bad. The rings can loosen back up once the engine is run, and still be fine from there.

 

Yes the starter is on the motor still,

 

Well the price is 1200 I think its a good Price your thoughts complete carb to pan pullys everything brackets,

 

Drive 4 hours to pick that 396 up today got there and the motor only turned over 1/4 then it would not turn anymore and I seen a chip broke off where one of the starter bolts go so I passed on it I ask him if on the phone does it turned over or if the block had a creak so I wouldn't waste my time so much 4 honesty a wasted day