HELP Identifying V8 engine

Old Mar 21, 2018 | 12:51 PM
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Default HELP Identifying V8 engine

Good morning everyone,
I'm being offered a deal on a rebuilt ready to run 396 ci motor. The individual states the motor is the high performance 375hp version. Is there any way to verify this based on the number code stamped on the block?
The stamp reads (3902406). I would be very appreciative if anyone is able to help me confirm that the motor is indeed a factory 375hp.
TIA
 
Old Mar 21, 2018 | 04:17 PM
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What are the letters stamped on the front of the block ?
 
Old Mar 21, 2018 | 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by sptrucksbyed
What are the letters stamped on the front of the block ?
there’s a “P” right next to the serial number. There’s also what looks like a “C1” just lower of the serial.
Are these the letter that you were referring to?
 
Old Mar 21, 2018 | 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by sptrucksbyed
What are the letters stamped on the front of the block ?
theres also “0303 IVR” stamped on the block.
 
Old Mar 24, 2018 | 07:25 PM
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Good info here, that would be an L78 or L79( L79 aluminum heads) motor. Should be closed chamber rectangular port heads. Originally a solid lifter cam but rebuilt most likely a modern performance hydraulic replacement.
Big Block Chevy Engine Parts casting numbers and Identification
 
Old Mar 25, 2018 | 03:43 PM
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From nastyz28.com:
IV 1966/65 Chevrolet 396 325 THM400
IV 1968 Chevrolet 396 325 TH
IV 1967 Chevrolet 396 325 TH with AR (smog)
 

Last edited by Everett#2390; Mar 25, 2018 at 03:46 PM.
Old Mar 25, 2018 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Everett#2390
From nastyz28.com:
IV 1966/65 Chevrolet 396 325 THM400
IV 1968 Chevrolet 396 325 TH
IV 1967 Chevrolet 396 325 TH with AR (smog)


3902406 1967 396
325, 350, 375, 2&4 bolt






So with the IV it looks like the block at least is from a '67 325hp/396.
It could be a 2 or 4 bolt main block and could have been re-built to 375hp specs. What have you got for heads? Rectangular ports? SHP (stands for "special high performance") stamped on the inside under the valve covers?
 
Old Mar 25, 2018 | 06:36 PM
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Yep, pictures of numbers would be nice.
 
Old Mar 26, 2018 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Y2K
Good info here, that would be an L78 or L79( L79 aluminum heads) motor. Should be closed chamber rectangular port heads. Originally a solid lifter cam but rebuilt most likely a modern performance hydraulic replacement.
Big Block Chevy Engine Parts casting numbers and Identification
Thanks for all the info fellas. Unfortunately the motor was sold over the weekend.
The search continues. I’ll try and get some pictures of any future opportunities.
Thanks again,
 
Old Mar 26, 2018 | 11:46 AM
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My sources (Chevrolet parts manual) tell me that IV engine code is a 396 with 325HP (2 bolt mains) in 1965 through 1968 full size Chevrolets with TH400 trans without AIR. With AIR in 1967 would be code IN.

A factory aluminum head 396/375HP is an L89. The L79 is a 350HP 327 engine
 

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