This has probably been on here before, but here goes. What casting numbers should I look for when I want to know what the engine is without taking it open. I see 010 allot in ads for engines claiming there the best for high nickle content. Any info, links are plain ole just tellin me is greatly appreciated.
Grego

 

casting numbers will tell you some but the stamped codes tell you more http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-ca...gine-codes.asp dont put to much faith in the 010, 020 designations they are somewhat bs. Ill edit this to add some links for you
Casting #http://www.mortec.com/location.htm
link to discussion of 010 and 020 designations http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10896read down through it is interesting, my machinist said the same thing I have a 010/020 350 block i took it in to be bored and mentioned the # he said it didnt mean to much since to late 60s.

 

heres another to go with the other 3 GRIFF listed
http://www.camaros.org/index.shtml

the 010 blocks when people talk about them is that there 4 bolt main blocks. but not all are. The other numbers are 014 and 016 which are suposed to be the high nickle alloy not the 010.
the most important thing to look for in a block is the core shift. Look at the lifter bores and where the cam bearings are to see if the holes are close to the center of the casting boss

 

The last sentence that Firebird wrote in my opinion is the most important. I dont think we really know what we are buying (metalurgy) when we buy a used block the 010 designation is sometimes misquoted as the end of the casting # also (3970010) I have not heard of a bad 350 casting but I believe the 400 509 casting is prefered followed by the 511 casting. The 350 casting I have is the 3970010 and it is a 2 bolt. I have a 511 400 that is a 4 bolt , generally believed to be weaker than the 2 bolt, the opposite is true with the 350 the 4 bolt will handle more than the 2 bolt.

 

the reason the 400 4bolt block is weaker is because the main webbing in the block is not as thick because of the longer stroke and bigger bore, the splayed caps angle the outer bolt into the thicker area of the outer block

 

Man this is the stuff I need very helpful. Keep it coming.
I beleive the casting number I have is also a 3970010. I'll try and check this weekend if I get to the hanger. Which cast # engine I have in my 90 Camaro I don't know. I haven't pulled it out. I hope to get to that little job next weekend. Thanks to all.
Grego [8D]