Truck block vs Corvette block

[Gregory G.]

I remember reading there was some small difference in the machine process between the corvette engine assemble and truch assembly plants. This is on a 1970 engine. Were there two different assembly plants? If so did they machine the blocks differently?
Is there any notacable difference between a 4 bolt block from a truck vs corvette with the correct casting numbers and date code(not counting the stamp pad codes).

Thanks

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block

I heard a rumor long ago or maybe it was a joke that there were many yellow school buses that no longer had their 427 engines.

If true, then there wasn't any difference.

Harry

[Don Y.]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block

If you are speaking about the big-block engine as used in medium duty trucks they had a 0.4 inch taller deck height. The pistons used an extra ring in those applications and required more length of bore to compensate for this design difference.
Don Yesacavage

[John D.]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block

Greg, I had a new 68 BB and blew the engine with 48,000 miles on it. Luckily the warranty then was 50 thou. So the dealer put in a new block only and reused the old heads (valve job was extra) Anyhow on the back of the block I remember seeing Truck. I was told by the dealer back then that the block was the same as commercial use. But I am not up on the nitty gritty of C3's so don't know if this is true for us purists. John

[Gregory G.]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block 350!!

I am speaking of a small block block.

[Gregory G.]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block 350!!

What I remember hearing is something about a plug on the front that was needed at one plant to maching the oil gallery but not needed at the other. My CE block has the plug ( on the passenger side just above the timing chain cover) and so does a truck block I am looking at. Just wondering if the original installed engine has the plug or if there are any other differences. I do not want to waist time and money on a block that is not correct.

[William C.]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block 350!!

Flint blocks (Corvette. Truck, and passenger car used the plug. Chevrolet Buffalo (Tonawanda) Truck, Car etc did not use the plug. If you have the plug you have a Flint block, and if the appropriate casting number is fine for Corvette use, suitably built.

[Tom S.]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block 350!!

Off the subject a little, but anyway I bought a brand new chevy C65 Tamdem axle dump truck with a 427 in for $16,100 in 1973. I thought that was a lot of money. You probably could not even but the dump bed for that today!And it was because I bought my first house in 71 for 12k !

[Gregory G.]

Re: Truck block vs Corvette block 350!!

Thanks
I thought I heard something about the plug. Glad the block I am looking to pick up has it. Is this checked during judging? Bet not many know about this.

[William C.]

Oh I think most Mech judges do... *NM*

[Dick W.]

Re: Oh I think most Mech judges do...

Clup, I have never looked, but were there still differences in the date coding between Flint and Tonawanda in the C-3 era??