I need help, I cam across a GM engine with casting number 3970010 and code stamping number V0520WA. I'm getting information it could be a 283, 302 or 327. Can someone help please?
010 is a 4" bore block, so it's not a 283. The two letter suffix makes it 1969 vintage (70 and later were all 3 letters and they started making the block for 1969 models), so it won't be a 327. The WA code was used on some 350 truck engines in 69.
It has 327 box style valve covers, and a MOPAR (???) alternator, along with pedestal motor mounts siding in the lower, crank pulley that's just sitting on the engine, and there are't accessory holes in the heads (visible anyways). Where's all this "odd" stuff coming from lately? I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
"V0520WA" application suffix code breaks down to this: "V" is Flint Engine Plant, "0520" is date code Month/Day so 05 is May, 20 is 20th day, "WA" is application code. "WA" was used 3 times by Chevrolet: 1965 283", 175HP, manual trans, 2 barrel carb, C-10 thru C-35 trucks 1968 307", 200HP, manual trans, 2 barrel carb, C-10 thru C-25 trucks 1969 350" 255HP, 4 barrel carb, C-20 thru C-35 trucks 3970010 block casting is 1968-1979 usage, and 4.00" bore....both of those factors eliminate 283 being a possibility, and the 4.00" bore eliminates the 307" from being a possibility(it is 3.875" bore). So, by using both application suffix code combined with block casting number info, you get the result.... 1969 350", 255 HP, from a 3/4 ton or bigger truck
Squirrel and Ericnova72 are right on the money. 20 and 30 series trucks with a 4 barrel had 4 bolt mains too.
forgot to mention (and not sure if it makes a difference), but engine was pull out of a 1948 Chevy bus. Was running got 6 yrs till finally parked and pulled out the engine.
That's a cool bus!!!..... Another vote for... Yeah! It's got 4-bolt mains.... And probably a forged steel crank!....
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