Got a small block in a 1958 Chevy cant read the casting nubers in the back..date code is January 1965..has a small balancer,spin on filter,has power pak heads!! -but a 2bbl intake which is correct for the 58.Doesnt have a full road draft tube but a little tube where a hose connects to it.I'm confused...
Spin on filter means a '68 or later block, unless someone installed an aftermarket adaptor (pretty common back then). You'll need numbers to know for sure which block you have, sounds like someone took advantage of SBC interchangibility. I don't remember when Chevy dropped the road draft tube, but I know it was still in use in 1962.
does it have the number/letter codes stamped on the block, in front of the p*** side head? if so, post them
Well you could dowel check the stroke and at least know if the crank is 283 or 327. Also there should be a casting number on the top of the block near the bellhousing on the drivers side. This would tell what it is.
It sounds like you have a 283. I have a 64 283 that has power pack heads and a two barrel carb. The power pack heads might have been downgraded by Chevrolet, to be used on two barrel engines in the early 60's. They were still the same heads, but used on two barrel engines, because better heads had been developed by then? I'm pretty sure that mine is all factory, at least all the date codes match up. Mine also has the PCV hookup like the one you describe.
On the front of the block,behind the water pump below the intake manifold, kinda aiming up at you,if it has a little oil pressure outlet that is plugged, then its a 283. If not then 327. Thats how I always check.
ok you said the cranks been drilled for a crank bolt, that'll make it 69 -newer. 68's and previous were NOT drilled from the factory.can you see the flange on the rear of the crank? if so, look and see if it's perfectly round or has a notch out of it. if so, the round crank'll be a forging and the notched one will be cast, either will be 265-283 cranks. if it's not either of these, it's NOT a 283. gut feeling is that it's a 307...... you're gonna have to put some effort into this as far as casting#'s if ya want to go deeper...
The early 283 and the 327's that came in the Nova/ChevyII had a spin on oil filter.......the first V8 Chevrolets to do so. These were the pre 68 models. The filter pad is recessed way up into the block...........and ONLY these early V8 Nova blocks were that way......recessed and spin on filter.
That is not true on all occasions. I have a 1973 350 4 bolt truck engine that has the plugged oil galley hole at the front. I have rebuilt this engine myself and all the numbers also say it is a 73 350. Also, Deuce Roadster is correct- My 67 Nova SS 327-350 H.P. block had a spin-on oil filter.
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