Help to decode a SBC please

[VINCE Z28]

Austin, on page 67 of CBTN, Covin states, " Little is known about this rare block #3932388, at least four 69 Camaro SS 350's were built with this block.

[bcmiller]

Austin, on page 67 of CBTN, Covin states, " Little is known about this rare block #3932388, at least four 69 Camaro SS 350's were built with this block.

I know what that books says, but it is not a rare block.  I have seen several. 

From this link...
http://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml#BlockCast
This note is below the table.
The 3932388 block is sometimes noted as being 'rare', but it actually was commonly used in mid-69 production. 3956618 was also used in mid-69 production.

[Steve Shauger]

The 388 block is known as a Tonawanda small block. A couple of 69 Z28's have this block which is rare, however they were assembled at Flint. Go figure.... Very common block, lots of L48 built with this block.

[ko-lek-tor]

Spyed out in the backwoods of the farm, where the ticks are thick as molasses and the weeds tickle your armpits, a real full size 300 HP L48 block. Mundane and pedestrian( if not, it would be indoors), yes, a 2 bolt! Proof - them varmits exist!
1970 Caprice, B-cayne, Kingswood auto.
Not a re-stamp D.W., lol.

[BULLITT65]

I see the wilderness is protecting it well....
Wonder what version I have 4 bolt or 2 bolt? Only way to tell is to pull the pan?

Tiny intestine camera in through the dip stick?..... kidding

[janobyte]

After casting ,would drilling be based on application?

I have  heard throughout the years, a stronger bottom end is had by drilling a 2 bolt main to be fitted with 4 bolt splayed main caps. Also consideration is given to casting #'s for reference to block strength (webbing, etc..)

402( the engine that came with that El Camino) has a real bad rap around here, HP (high performance) was in the upper rear. I asked a local Drag racer/trans builder(retired GM engineer) about it, he laughed and replied " means nothing"

So I'm gathering CI wise they are punched out 396's, but not to be confused with the strength of a 60's block.

I believe my reference was out of one of the old Motor Manuals which dictated what a particular block could be bored out to.

Sorry to go off on a tangent BULLITT, but I've always had a big interest in 60's era engines: Ford, Chrysler, you name it .More so sometimes then the car they came in!

If the engines out of the 55 ,pull the pan and be done with it, your going to have to anyway for inspection.

[KurtS]

After casting ,would drilling be based on application?

Yes, the machining was done as the bill of materials for the specific engine required.

And HP was cast on blocks for years....

[BULLITT65]

So because it has an original HN code of 300HP would that be a hint it may be a 4 bolt main?

[crobjones2]

I am going out on a limb - I am quite certain it is a 4 bolt main, especially in a 350/300
What does confuse me though, you state the date a J-68
As far as I know the 388 block is mid 69 production

[crobjones2]

The 388 block is known as a Tonawanda small block. A couple of 69 Z28's have this block which is rare, however they were assembled at Flint. Go figure.... Very common block, lots of L48 built with this block.

Why ship a block to Michigan when you have a foundry? This seems a little suspect to my little bit of knowledge
what heads were on motors? 041?

[KurtS]

Looks like Flint may have had a production issue and supplemented with Tonawanda castings. Very limited time period.

Chris, I have a 69 L48 block and it's a 2-bolt.

[maroman]

I THINK I remember that Corvette and pickups had 4 bolt, others 2.

[KurtS]

Doug,
Some passenger L48's have been 4-bolt.

[crobjones2]

Chris, I have a 69 L48 block and it's a 2-bolt.

is it a 388?

[KurtS]

I thought - no, it's a 350.

No, it's a 386 block.