Deciphering Engine Codes

[Ironangel]

Doing some research on a 350ci motor I just purchased...It came out of a 72 C-10 2wd with a 350thm...The deck stamp is T1029CMA and the casting number at rear of the block 39700(1*)4 (not sure about the "*one")...The casting date is 1/23/73. This appears to be a factory 4bbl intake and Quadrajet...Heres some pics...Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance! ~Michael~

[geezer#99]

Look here. Lots of links to decipher what you got.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w..._Chevy_engines

[Ironangel]

Thanks Geezer! Got a handle on the casting number...The code stamp on the front right deck is whats throwin me...T1029CMA I know "T" is the Plant suffix and the date follows as Oct 29...Cant find the "CMA" suffix meaning...Anybody care to take a stab? Thanks...~Michael~

[SS Tim]

T Tonawonda assembly plant
10 October
29 29th day of October

CMA 74 L65 350 2bbl comes back as car engine, if you have a VIN code stamped somewhere in the block that can be decoded as well.

3970014 68-79 350cid block

[Ironangel]

Awesome! Thank you Tim! Where on the block would I look for the VIN? And again Thank you Tim! Your "The Man!"

[SS Tim]

It can be several places. The engine assembly code pad, but I suspect you would have seen that. Try the block above the oil filter and the bellhousing flange for alternate locations.

[Ironangel]

Thanks Tim 1970-73 3970014 350 200 300 2/4 LA built Camaro I got those numbers and info with the casting number from this site http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.php What I couldnt find was suffix "CMA" and you helped clarify that Now then, whats an "LA built Camaro?" Los Angeles or Louisiana? This motor appears to be a factory 4bbl, havent pulled the pan yet to verify the 2 or 4 bolt main...Whatever it is, it's going to be a winter build project...I pulled the oil filter today and antifreeze came spilling out with the oil...I'll update later...Thanks again Tim!

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by Ironangel

Thanks Tim 1970-73 3970014 350 200 300 2/4 LA built Camaro I got those numbers and info with the casting number from this site http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.php What I couldnt find was suffix "CMA" and you helped clarify that Now then, whats an "LA built Camaro?" Los Angeles or Louisiana? This motor appears to be a factory 4bbl, havent pulled the pan yet to verify the 2 or 4 bolt main...Whatever it is, it's going to be a winter build project...I pulled the oil filter today and antifreeze came spilling out with the oil...I'll update later...Thanks again Tim!

Don't know why you are stirring mud back into this but OK here goes.

Base on your provided casting date and assembly code, I gave you the most likely applications.
74 L-65 350 V8 8.5cr 2bbl 145hp
In that list you will see there is in fact a 74 camaro application.
While nastyZ28 has a lot of information there is a lot of missing information too. What they are trying to say in your quote is a Van Nuys, California assembled Camaro. But then they also only list 3970014 as a 70-73 block which it is not. Actual listed uses are from 68-79.
Based upon your assembly code it is most likely a 2 bolt main. While it might have a factory 4bbl intake and carb that does not mean they are original to that block and being 40 years later in a vehicle other than it was originally built for pretty much makes everything a gamble. Might try looking up the intake codes and dates too along with the carb application.

[GASoline71]

Water in oil usually means either a blown head gasket, or a cracked block or head... Keep fingers crossed it's a gasket or one of the heads.

Could be a water jacket gasket from the intake manifold as well. But you should get the block and heads t a machine shop to magnaflux for cracks.

Gary