73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: scwaters on May 31, 2017, 02:08:41 pm
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I have recently purchased a 1976 K10 short bed. The VIN indicates it came with a 400. Upon investigation the engine is a 379. This is someone else's unfinished project. I can't see the engine ID number but have located the casting number, VD212800. There are very few 6 digit casting codes on the Internet and none so far that begin with a 2. It is carburetor and HEI distributor. The carb is a 500 FCM Edelbrock, and the distributor is the same as the HEI offered in their catalog. I need help in nailing down the year of the motor. One casting decoding list suggests the year ends in a 2. Help!
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What's a 379?
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From what I have figured out it was a commercial vehicle V8 until the late eighties. Recently they are the bigger small block option for silverados and such. They are also used in Cadillacs in performance trim. I honestly don't know much about the carburetor years. That's why I'm posting. Hope to find someone with some first hand knowledge.
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Could you post a picture?
I've never heard of a 379 in any of the carbed years. The 6.2L diesel is 379ci I suppose? Or is it an LS motor with a carb on it? (LS motors don't have a distributor though...)
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Is it possible that the GM designation is different than the ID number on the block? My VIN says its a 400. Photo later today.
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What exactly makes you think the engine is 379 CID?
The LS engine came/still comes in 379 cubic inches, but then again it wouldn't have a carb and HEI distributor?
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After much scraping and degreasing, on both sides of the block,clearly, in 3/4" numbers is 379. This was pointed out on a rebuil site that this was the cid I'd from the factory. It is on both sides of the block, passenger side is just forward from the stater.
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Is there a number stamped on the block behind the alternator? How about a picture?
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Engine casting number: VD212800. Hard to find six digit casting numbers, have yet to find any casting number beginning with a 2. I have a great picture but I have to reduce the file size(?) in order for the forum to accept it. Soon as the wife returns.
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Following an old link 2 levels I found a 11year old reference where someone had investigated a 379 on a "Turbo" forum. He pulled the engine and determined the engine came from a 1977-79 truck. Mine is a 76. Looking like this is an original set up.
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i believe this engine is a crate 350 replacement.
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I wish. My VIN decodes to a 400, 4 barrel. Believe me it's not a crate engine. Feels solid fair amount of torque not an over abundance of hp. Thanks.
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Not to be a jerk, but there is NO WAY this could be a stock 379 chevy small block gen 0/1, unless someone altered the bore and/or stroke. In which case it's not stock.
There was/is definitely a 6.2, 379 cubic inch diesel, but if you've got a carb and a distributor then most likely this is not the case here.
There is a 379 cid LS engine and you could very well have a carb on it, but if you've got a distributor then most likely it is in the front of the engine and i don't think that is the case here?
GMC had a 379 cubic inch V-6, but i don't think that is the case here. If it is, you've got a very interesting gem.
i believe the engine in question is a replacement higher tin-content crate engine.
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The displacement tags that are on both sides of the block are clearly marked 379. There was in fact 8379 that was used in school buses and other commercial in the late 70s early 80s. This unit looks to be a stock installation with the drivetrain. I don't know I cant explain it as I said previously the VIN code shows it was a 400. I imagine somebody could've taken the big block out and replaced it with a commercial engine. If this is a crate engine it's a very old one and one without any exceptional performance either in horsepower or torque. I wish I could get to you he engine numbers but they're tucked up under the far wall.
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400 isnt a big block ;-)
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Sorry this is my first American truck. Built a number of old Alfa Romeos and British iron. Appreciate the input. Would Chevy have called the 379 a 400?
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did you google 379 sbc? apparently it is a replacement 350 but the dipstick can be located on either side for that "OEM" look.
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I'm not sure I know what you mean by a "replacement" engine. Appreciate some clarification. Try in figure out exactly what I've bought has been very frustrating. I know the bed is fron a later truck by the tailgate and the fuel door.
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dont know thats what i saw on one post but i saw others that said the 379 is the casting date as in march 1979. some say its from a 77-79
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VD212800 is not the casting number; it is the engine production code that IDs the year and vehicle application of the motor.
The "379" is the last three digits of the actual casting number, 14016379, which is a 1978 - 1985 small block 350 CID casting used in light-duty truck applications. Since it is an unmachined casting ID number, the block was used as the base for both 2-bolt and 4-bolt engines.
Irish, casting dates are stamped numbers rather than cast. Otherwise, casting molds would require modification for each production run.
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Picture 1of2
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New Question - with the 379 & Edlebrock (500 cfm) should I still run regular gas. I hope as I'm getting about 7 mpg at the moment.
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I have heard some disdainful postings about the 6.2. I assume they were regarding the gas engine. I have one in my recently purchased 76 sb. it doesn't have a lot of grunt and the current mpg is somewhere about eight, 1403 Edlebrock (500 cfm) with dual exhaust. What should I expect; durability? performance? mpg? I'm just learning, appreciate any insight.
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It's a 350ci as explained above.
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Agreed it's a 350. 379 is the block casting number not the displacement. Since your vin says it came with a 400. Most likely a rebuilt or crate motor.
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Again, not to be a jerk, but again, you DO NOT have a "379" engine. No such gas engine exists as far what was available in this series of trucks.
i don't have time to get into detail, but perhaps this could help:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_small-block_engine