Thread: What engine do I have?

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Hi gang, I just bought a street rod with a chey engine. There are no numbers on the front of the block boss. The only one I can find is the casting (?) # on the rear of the block. That # is 330817. I was told by the seller it was a 400 ci. I had one parts guy tell me if it did not have a harmonic balancer it was a 400. It does have one. Can anyone help? THANKS!

You have a 1973-1980 400 CI engine.

Originally Posted by lbroknwing

Hi gang, I had one parts guy tell me if it did not have a harmonic balancer it was a 400. It does have one. Can anyone help? THANKS!

i was not aware that they made a small block without a balancer, did they? i think the parts guy must be a sport compact specialist primarily.

Originally Posted by mooneye777

i was not aware that they made a small block without a balancer, did they? i think the parts guy must be a sport compact specialist primarily.

I've never seen one without a damper on it, unless it had a big Roots blower bolted on top. Then, the belt acts as a harmonic damper to cancel crankshaft harmonics.

Moretec lists it as a 72 - 80, 400 CID, 2-bolt main.

Of course it needs an harmonic balancer. Chevy 400's were externally balanced, and require a different balancer and flywheel from other small block Chevys. Your parts guy is out to lunch.

Many earlier 283s didn't have a balancer...just a hub where the pulleys bolted to.

Possibly, but he was asking about a 400.

Originally Posted by mooneye777

i was not aware that they made a small block without a balancer, did they? i think the parts guy must be a sport compact specialist primarily.

Was answering this post...should have quoted it

Originally Posted by poncho62

Many earlier 283s didn't have a balancer...just a hub where the pulleys bolted to.

That hub is the balancer.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

That hub is the balancer.

OK...a balancer as we know it...........2 piece steel with rubber in it.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. This forum is a wealth of information thanks to people like y'all!

i never trust parts guys unless they're pretty dang old... but we're running out of the old timers... i still got mine down the street though, he worked at the dearborn plant back when my mustang was built.... he knows his ford parts good enough he never looks on the computer or the book he just walks back and grabs them..... i wish there were more parts guys like that

I agree, getting parts are a problem ,for the people working there don't know the difference from a water pump or alternator. If it isn't listed in the computer for your make and year car they don't have it. I can't tell you how many times I tell the person to just give me a part from another car and they look at me dumbfounded. Its the same ***** part just give it to me. I think its because they ride there bicycle to work.
Pep Boys is the worst in my opinion.