Engine Identification

[Danny]

In the 73 GT I just bought is the engine pictured below. Engine #611734 Model 350FLUTHP. Notice the Model 350 stickers on the valve covers and the Corvette logo on the port side valve cover. It is a Chris Craft marine setup and I assume a 350 Chev block.
Did they use Vette engines?
Anyboby got any ideas on horsepower or other thoughts about what this is?
Danny
http://www.donzi.net/photos/dkeefe01.jpg

[Looped]

Danny,
That number does not seem to be any 70 - 73 Chevy automotive block number (during those years they used #'s ranging from 391xxxx - 397xxxx with one exception that I found for a 350 having a number of 6259425). Marine engines may have had totally different block numbers than autos too.

That color motor almost looks like what was in my parents old 73 IMP with an OMC 225hp Buick motor in it. Did you find the block number on the upper backside of the right bank (#3 is the block # location for most Chevy SBC & BBC's)?
http://www.mortec.com/diagram1.gif

Craig

[Danny]

Looped
The numbers I quoted are off the Chris Craft plates on the exhaust manifolds, so I will look tonight for block numbers where you suggested and get back to you later this evening.
Thanks Danny

[Danny]

Scott
I know what you are saying about the exhaust manifolds. I am however torn as to whether or not keep the boat as original as possible.
the boat is all original and the boat is in good condition from a gelcoat,deck hardware, structural and upholstery point of view.
On the other hand some nice polished aluminum manifolds sure would look spiffy and enhance the performance.
Thanks for your insight and help.
Danny

[Danny]

Ok Looped
Here's the block # right where you said it would be. You gotts like that! 3970010

Thanks Danny

[Looped]

Danny,
Congrats on your block! The #3970010 was made from 69 – 79 that was for the most part a 350 block in many cars & trucks. For some reason Chevy made this block with higher amounts of nickel and tin (nickel giving the block extra strength and tin to allow the block to twist without causing it to crack easily). You should find one of two stampings on the back left bank that would look like 010 or 010/020. The one with just the 010 means that the block is made up of around 10% nickel and a slightly higher amount of tin, the other one 010/020 means that the block is made up of around 20% nickel & 10% tin (The same formula that is used in the "Bow Tie" block and the infamous "509" 400 block). Many of the "3970010” blocks had these numbers casted into the area under the timing cover and also in the back of the block.

These blocks are becoming more rare now that engine builders know about them so if you find one, grab it (Forrest has a few). I have heard that back in 69 (the last year of the Chevy 302) they used this block on a few DZ 302 engines too. I actually bought a 79’ #3970010 a few months ago to build a 383 stroker out of but since then I have decided to make it a copy of the MO 302 just to be different. Everyone seems to call a Chevy 302 engine a DZ 302 but in fact they had 3 different ones types. They all had a forged 3” stroke crank with 11 to 1 compression and the 202-fuelie heads. The first year (67’ MP 302) they had a SJ crank & 2-bolt mains. The second year (68’ MO 302) came with a LJ crank but still with only 2-bolt mains. The third and best year (69’ DZ 302) came with again the LJ crank and 4-bolt mains.

If you go to something like Altavista.com and do a search on 3970010 you will find plenty of info on this block too.

Chevy also came up with a concept Z28 302 in 2000 with a mild 435hp:
http://www.zlx.com/Camaro/2001_ls6_blk.jpg

Sorry to ramble but the Chevy 302 & 396 are my favorite :D (I’ll leave the 396 out of this one),
Craig

[Danny]

Thanks Craig
It's amazing when you get the right #s and you where to look the information that is out there.
Any thoughts on where to look for info on Chris Craft Marine engines all my searches turn up old Woodies and older engines(still interesting reading). Obviously looking for info about ChrisCraft engines from the late 60's early 70's.
Thanks again Danny