Block ID by oil pan??

[outcrydrummer]

I'm having trouble finding a casting number on the 350 in my Blazer. The blazer is a 78 but I'm now thinking its a 85 or 86 350. Reason being is that I replaced the oil pan gasket and the gasket I got did not fit.....totally different style then what I needed.

So I took my oil pan with me to the parts store We tried different year 350 gaskets until finally we matched it up with a 85 or 86 style pan gasket.

Just wondering if that is a definitive answer on what the engine could be???

Shot in the dark but figured I would ask................

Happy turkey day everyone.

Josh

 

[MassMan]

My oil pan investigation thread covered this issue. I think dipstick location is the key:

drivers side dip stick, 55-79. Pass side dipstick 80-85.

You really should get the casting # though. It's a pain, and if you think it's missing that means you haven't cleaned off enough dirt and grime. Post it when you've got it and someone will be able to help you out. Google also works with casting numbers sometimes.

My oil pan thread:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=300723

 

[4X4HIGH]

There are a few different pan gaskets used on the SBC and the first is 55-79 (driver side dipstick with thick front seal), 75-79 (driver side dipstick with thin front seal), 80-85 (passenger side dipstick) and then there is a pan gasket for target master blocks produced in mexico which had a block and pan with a cutout for driver side or passenger side dipstick, then there's 86-96 with passenger side dipstick with one piece rear main seal.

 

[outcrydrummer]

Ok thanks. Mine is a passenger side dip stick with only that one location for the dip stick. I guess question is now what exact year and 1 or 2 piece rear main. Lets hope for a 2 since its leaking lol.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Ok thanks. Mine is a passenger side dip stick with only that one location for the dip stick. I guess question is now what exact year and 1 or 2 piece rear main. Lets hope for a 2 since its leaking lol.

Do the heads have center bolt valve covers?

 

[outcrydrummer]

Yeah. 2 per side about 6 inches in from the corners

 

[4X4HIGH]

Yeah. 2 per side about 6 inches in from the corners

Then you DONT have center bolt valve covers. Center bolt valve covers have the retaining bolts directly down the middle of the cover not around the perimeter.

 

[outcrydrummer]

Oh ok thanks. Im new to sbc engines. So does that help any with the year it could be?