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350 Block

T

texarback

1/2 ton status
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Location
Humble, Texas
My block is cracked and I need a new one. I'm down in Houston TX.

Casting Number 32 GM 3970010
Engine Code: V0123TKT

I've been scouring Marketplace and Ebay, seeing if anything pops up. There are blocks for sale but is there a go-to source for blocks where I might find a number matching block? I assume it will be almost impossible to find a block with an engine code that matches.

To be clear, this is going into a 74 Jimmy so I don't need something like that. It was more of a question about sourcing blocks in general and also wondered about the numbers matching angle.
 
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As I wrote in my original post, I don't need something like that. I'm looking for a block and the numbers matching angle was just a curiousity.

Again, really about sourcing a block. I suppose the best place is somewhere like Facebook Marketplace? Ebay maybe as a last resort? Shipping is a killer with the Ebays.

With that said, there was a little part of me that hoped that "Houston TX + 3970010 + V0123TKT" would equal a "Hey, I live 5 mintues from you and I have one you can have for free!" Not really... :)
 
texarback said:
As I wrote in my original post, I don't need something like that. I'm looking for a block and the numbers matching angle was just a curiousity.

Again, really about sourcing a block. I suppose the best place is somewhere like Facebook Marketplace? Ebay maybe as a last resort? Shipping is a killer with the Ebays.

With that said, there was a little part of me that hoped that "Houston TX + 3970010 + V0123TKT" would equal a "Hey, I live 5 mintues from you and I have one you can have for free!" Not really... :)
Click to expand...
I asked kinda to make the point of “need”
Unless it’s an unrestored original, it’s a lark

Now, the block casting will be easy to find. That’s a Gen 1 large journal
Pretty much every 350 block is a 3970010 casting

What’s your budget? Opposed to taking an engine out of a running vehicle?
Or there is a pretty good chance somebody’s pulling the 350 for an LS swap
 
I have a machine shop that has given me a quote for a few different options. They will source a 3970010 block for me. We talked through using aftermarket heads vs factory style and Flat Tappet vs Roller Cam. I'm definetly going the Roller Cam route but am undecided on the heads. We walked through everything this morning and here is the breakdown for the aftermarket head & roller cam setup:

Upgarded HeadUpgarded HeadFactory HeadsFactory Heads
Roller CamFlat TappetRoller CamFlat Tappet
DescriptionOption 2AOption 1AOption 2BOption 1B
Parts
Block core
$600.00​
$600.00​
$600.00​
$600.00​
Loaded Iron Eagle Cylinder Heads plus shipping
$1,850.00​
$1,850.00​
$0.00​
$0.00​
Factory style heads including cores
$0.00​
$0.00​
$1,350.00​
$1,350.00​
Engine kit: pistongs, rings, bearings, gaskets, oil pump, timing kit, freeze plugs
$550.00​
$550.00​
$550.00​
$550.00​
Flat tappet cam & comp upgrade lifters
$0.00​
$295.00​
$0.00​
$295.00​
Roller cam upgrade with link bar setup / set thrust button
$1,750.00​
$0.00​
$1,750.00​
$0.00​
Roller cam setup for roller cam upgrade
$285.00​
$0.00​
$285.00​
$0.00​
Rocker setup for flat tappet
$0.00​
$175.00​
$0.00​
$175.00​
Pushrods for flat tappet
$0.00​
$65.00​
$0.00​
$65.00​
Clean, Inspect, prepare for assembly
Clean, inspect, paint & install outside parts
$0.00​
$0.00​
$0.00​
$0.00​
Check in parts
$45.00​
$45.00​
$45.00​
$45.00​
Boil block & clean surfaces
$125.00​
$125.00​
$125.00​
$125.00​
Block magnetic particle inspection
$135.00​
$135.00​
$135.00​
$135.00​
Check line bore
$50.00​
$50.00​
$50.00​
$50.00​
Check rods for alignment
$45.00​
$45.00​
$45.00​
$45.00​
Check rods for round
$70.00​
$70.00​
$70.00​
$70.00​
Brush connecting rods to align
$85.00​
$85.00​
$85.00​
$85.00​
Cranshaft wash, measure & inspect
$40.00​
$40.00​
$40.00​
$40.00​
Cranshaft magnetic particle inspection & grind
$235.00​
$235.00​
$235.00​
$235.00​
Bore & hone block
$245.00​
$245.00​
$245.00​
$245.00​
File fit rings
$125.00​
$125.00​
$125.00​
$125.00​
Remove & replace pistons
$70.00​
$70.00​
$70.00​
$70.00​
Remove & repalce cam bearings
$85.00​
$85.00​
$85.00​
$85.00​
Deck block
$145.00​
$145.00​
$145.00​
$145.00​
Set bearing clearances / rods / mains
$125.00​
$125.00​
$125.00​
$125.00​
Balance engine
$225.00​
$225.00​
$225.00​
$225.00​
Prep block for assembly
$70.00​
$70.00​
$70.00​
$70.00​
Assembly
Assemble short block
$275.00​
$275.00​
$275.00​
$275.00​
Degree cam
$65.00​
$65.00​
$65.00​
$65.00​
Install heads on short block and set valves
$225.00​
$225.00​
$225.00​
$225.00​
Subtotal
$7,520.00​
$6,020.00​
$7,020.00​
$5,520.00​

If I can find a block on my own then that $600 is reduced and if I go for factory restored heads (thinking something like the 991s or 993s) then that could shave off anohter $1000-1200. I see a pair of 993s refurbed on Ebay for $660.

This is definetly more than I wanted to spend but if it is what it is then I'd say that is my budget. I "need" a block though so...

I'd like opinions though. I've never been down this road before.
 
They also quoted a refurbed engine from a company that he uses that can do a 350 for around $3400. But, he said it would come with a Flat Tappet cam. I wasn't ready to go down this path so I don't know anything more about the engine.
 
You could party with that kind of money

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383

Block: Smeding Heavy Duty 4 Bolt Mains, 9.025" Deck Height, 1 Piece Seal, 4.000" BoreCrankshaft: Smeding 4340 Forged Steel, Internal/External Balance, 3.800" StrokeRods: Smeding 5140 Forged Steel I-Beam with 3/8" Bolts, 5.700" LengthPistons: UEM Custom Hypereutectic Aluminum, 13.5cc Dish, Coated...
smedingperformance.com smedingperformance.com
 
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Agree 100%. I'm trying not to get paralysis by analysis though. lol.

This is definetly the place to get some education!
 
So let’s call time out

What do you want for an engine?
How much are you really willing to spend

Are you opposed to doing something besides a bolt in engine?
 
I am trying to preserve the look, feel, smell of the 1974 Jimmy. Meaning, I would like to stay as close to factory as I can with this thing. I'm doing a complete frame off restoration. Edit: in the future if I do another square body, maybe I'll go a different route. This truck though belonged to my grandpa. I grew up in this truck. I want it to sound and feel like it did on those cold mornings in the early 80s when we were going hunting. I know that may not make sense to anyone and might be silly but that is what I am aiming for.

I want an engine that is period correct but am not opposed to minor upgrades (lifters as an example) as I recognize technolgoy changes and some things are simply worth doing. But, I want the look and feel to be factoryish. This truck will be used to go to dinner, make grocery, and Sunday drives. I would also like to run down the interstate occasionally if desired.

I was hoping the spend would be less than $5K. I'm willing to spend the right amount that gets me to the right (which I think is what I wrote above) conclusion. The quote seems to get me there and that is $7ish K. So I don't feel like going above that is where I want or need to be. But I don't really know.
 
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look at a L31 new crate engine on summit or jegs. This is a NEW 350cu engine, roller cam, 1 piece rear main. You'll need to use a different intake, possibly also flex plate or fly wheel. Only visual clue once installed would be the center bolt valve covers.
Carburetor and HEi distributor, it will sound and smell the same.
 
Wes Harden said:
look at a L31 new crate engine on summit or jegs. This is a NEW 350cu engine, roller cam, 1 piece rear main. You'll need to use a different intake, possibly also flex plate or fly wheel. Only visual clue once installed would be the center bolt valve covers.
Carburetor and HEi distributor, it will sound and smell the same.
Click to expand...
I did post a link for that above



@texarback

Are you opposed to center bolt valve covers?
 
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