Thread: 2 bolt mains

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Originally posted by riverhorse59
When looking for a block with a high -nickel, high tin mix, the numbers to look forare "010" and " 020". They are cast under the timing cover area.

On blocks with a stronger nickle tin combo there is a third # usually .015 and as for the mexican block they have an M in the casting # and no the M is crap metal. Look for 2 bolts w/ 3 sets of .0xx #'s not just .010 .020 those are standard.

Originally posted by MalibuChevelle
On blocks with a stronger nickle tin combo there is a third # usually .015 and as for the mexican block they have an M in the casting # and no the M is crap metal. Look for 2 bolts w/ 3 sets of .0xx #'s not just .010 .020 those are standard.

M.C. Where did You get that information? I'd like to look it up. I dont seem to be able to find it in my small block books. Thanks.

Originally posted by MalibuChevelle
On blocks with a stronger nickle tin combo there is a third # usually .015 and as for the mexican block they have an M in the casting # and no the M is crap metal. Look for 2 bolts w/ 3 sets of .0xx #'s not just .010 .020 those are standard.

Hum, thats pretty interesting, I've always heard about the high nickel blocks but nobody was ever able to explain it (or didn't want to give up the secret) will this hold true for the 400 blocks ???

Never heard anything about "good" Chevy small blocks, but there are Ford small blocks manufactured in Mexico with a higher content of nickle.

here is a quote from nastyz28.com

Q: What is a Bowtie, or heavy duty (nickle) block and do I have one?

A: Tin and nickel are two metals that are commonly alloyed with cast iron to improve durability, hardness and heat dissipation. Some production engine blocks have the numbers "010", "020" or both cast into their front face, just above the main bearing bore. (The timing cover must be removed for these numbers to be visible.) If both numbers are present, one about the other, it indicates that the block alloy contains 10% tin and 20% nickel. A single number, either a "010" or "020" represents the amount of nickel and indicates negligible amounts of tin. No numbers, other than the casting numbers that are typically found beneath the timing cover, translates to only minor amounts of tin and nickel being present in the block alloy.

However, cylinder wall thickness is the overridering consideration - and a block with no tin or nickel and thick cylinder walls is generally preferable to a high nickel block with thin walls

Dont know if nasty knows his nickel or not. Also, an interesting tidbit: Tyler Pipe in Tyler Texas casts water pipe using 100% recycled engine blocks and heads.

Actually, I think thats supposed to be 1% tin and 2% nickel, and it translates to them being less prone to cracking, and having a much longer bore life (cuz theyre much harder), which is a good thing.

LOL Flip it over on the stand and write "Denny" and youll have a DennyW engine.

This may help clear up our information on this thread and also the thread on the 307 engine.

307 engine---- In 1968 this engine was introduced to fill the void left by the 283 engine. Using the then new large journal crank, it retains the bore of the 283ci block,but uses the 3.25 stroke of the 327 engine. It is not a particularly desirable block,as most of them were cast with very little nickel and no tin to improve the cast mix. This was an attempt to lower the production cost of the bottom line engine. It seems to have an increased bore wear rate
because of that.
I took this word for word out of the Motorbooks International ,
Chevrolet small block V-8 ID guidebook.

It also states in its Engine Blocks section------
When looking for a block with a high-nickel, high tin mix, the numbers to look for are "010" and "020". They are cast under the
timing cover area. They show a picture of a block with both those numbers cast there.
My 4-bolt main 350 motor has both those numbers cast there.
As we discussed earlier you can make a 350 or a 327 out of a 307
but ,this shows us that it is not ideal . As I suggested earlier, this may work fine for a good little street motor ,but for any all out performance----Don't go there.

Malibu Chevelle, I'd still like to know your source of information,as I can't find anything like what you suggest. It may be so but I just cant find it anywhere.

The most desirableble 350 blocks were the early 70s blocks called the K series. They have a K prefix on the serial # and a K before the casting # and a K on the main caps. By 1978 the blocks were lighter and not as strong.
Any block made in Mexico is stamped "hecho en Mexico" Many of these were sold over the counter at you local Gm parts dept. Hope this helps. Gene