350 rocket?

[chevy_jj]

i deal with mostly chevy small blocks so im not really familiar with the olds details. i ran across an engine that im going to be putting into a car. i got the engine from a friend of mine who said it was a 260 olds. but the intake is wider like the 350 olds is and its got the gold valve covers. im going to be putting it into a 87 cutlas that i will be possesing as colateral from someone that was a former friend. well if anyone can share any details on reading the block that would be well appreciated. thanks

[Rocket Power]

The 260,307,330,350 and 403 are all physically the same size. What is the Number/letter to the left of the #1 sparkplug on the head ?

[chevy_jj]

ill look at the number tonight when i get to the shop.

[Rocket Power]

There is also a cast in number on the top of the block between the waterpump and the intake. Try to get that too because you never know if someone changed heads.

[chevy_jj]

well the number on the head is a 7. ill be heading back to the shop right now ill let you know on the other number.

[Rocket Power]

If it's just a 7 with no A then it's a 1971 350 head. If it has a tiny A next to the 7then it's a 72 head. If it has an A the same size as the 7 then it's a mid 80's -1990 roller 307.

Since you said it's Just a 7 then it's a 71 Head, and most likely it's a 1971 350, assuming the heads weren't swapped.

[chevy_jj]

the number on the block is a 395558. it has a A about a 1/4 inch size.

[Rocket Power]

Ok so with that block# which is for the 68-76 solid main block and the little A next to the 7 I'd say you have a 1972 350 Olds engine. Good block and pretty good heads. Not too shabby

The compression ratio will be somewhere around 8-8.5 to 1 and the heads are ok for unleaded.

[chevy_jj]

great thanks for your help. i really cant complain for a free engine.