396 or 350 ?

I found some numbers on an engine block I have that I can not find on any castinf list. I purchased the block about 15 years ago and the guy said it was a 396. The numbers are ivr6y106 353 and there is an upside-down stamp that reads 3501. The block has stamps that read Hi-Perf, P***, and otehr odd stamps. There are also some others numbers that are hard to make out but I believe they are 1 23 5. Is there a way to measure the block or cylinder walls or anything else that can help me make out what size engine this is. Thanks for help !!

 

It's probably a 396, that's the only engine that said "hi perf p***" on it.

edit: also, you might want to find the " New to the H.A.M.B.? Introduce yourself here!" part of the forum and let us know more about you!

 

Incorrect...I have 2 bolt 427/454 block that say the same thing - High Perf P***.

I have one tall deck 366 block that says says High Perf on it. Its a real oddball.

 

You can't eyeball the diff between a small block and a big block? WTF

 

Funny thing is, a 366 was not "high performance" engine or even a p***enger car engine.

Here's some rat stuff:
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Dave Mann
(602) 233-8400 weekdays
http://www.roadsters.com/

 

yeah, bad wording on my part....of the two engines (350 and 396), the 396 is the only one that has those words on it.

My thinking is that the lettering shows which blocks that particular mold was used for.....which would explain why the words don't match the rest of the block in many cases.

Anyways, the casting date and IVR code kind of indicate its a 1965 396

 

I agree. Must be a female poster. Because most of them have been lied to about length also. "Yeah its a bigblock"

 

if it's a 65 big block, it'll need the correct cam bearings and grooved camshaft...

 

Thanks to all for the info. This is my first start-up project car - beginning with the engine. I also have a 4 bolt 350 but I think I'm going to start the 396 first. Appreciate the insight and I am not a female poster....but I had a good laugh there Mr. Monsterflake

 

396's ****in rock. I love a hot runnin 396.

I have to admit though, I'd never confuse one with an SBC.

 

Neither have I, although Chevrolet TRIED to confuse everyone in the early '70s, when they called a 402 a 396 if it was in an SS396, but called it a 400 if it was in an Impala...while having a 400 small block at the same time!

 

they called the sbc 400 and the bbc 402 BOTH a 400 from 70-72, the distinction being whether it was a 2bbl or 4bbl.

 

I have a 70 chevy shortbed stepside truck with a 402 and 400 badging. It got hit once and the insurance adjuster argued with me that it was a 400 small block and there was no such thing as a 400 big block sitting right next to my all original to the aircleaner (at the time) 70K mile truck.....with a big block.

 

Well that is a real piece of junk I am sure. I have broken many of those along the way. Many weak spots and also very dangerous to drop on your foot.

If you are within 50 miles of D/FW I can get right over there and pick that up so you don't hurt yourself like countless others have before you. If you do not want to spend thousands and thousnads of dollars get rid of it now!

Just trying to save you from the devil.

 

At a glance... Big Chevys have a large curve on the front of the driver's side deck surface. Small blocks have square corners on both sides.

Oh yeah, big blocks are BIG....and they rule.