How to tell what engine?

[Harmon]

I bought my 86 c-10 chevy and was told the 305 was switched to a 350 at some point.  I replaced the Distributor and found it had the 305 dist. still in use.

The engine seems like a dog, I cant even lay rubber and I was wondering if there is a way to tell exactly what engine I do have?

[zieg85]

http://www.nastyz28.com/sbcmenu.php   Poke around his site, it should tell you where to look and exactly what your engine was in stock form.

[westsidek20]

Just check for the casting numbers on the block, and check them on line, theres several webpages.

[Psycho71]

I may get an education here, but I was not aware the was a bit of difference in the HEI's used in the 305,350, 400sb, and even the big block chevies? I have always ran sbc's, and never notice any difference in the HEI's on any of them.

Timing can play a huge role in how the engine runs. What's your timing set at? Initial, and "all-in", at what rpm? A timing tape and timing light, or advance timing light, will go a long way to getting the most out of an HEI, along with a recurve kit as well as an adjustable vacuum advance. Takes a few hours to make the mod's and get it all set right. But it can make a world of difference.

[VileZambonie]

Although they will all fit, the HEI's can be different every year make and model. Don't get me wrong many are identical but for many applications but there are many differences. Vacuum advance, No vacuum advance, ESC Non ESC, the list goes on. ID your engine first by it's casting numbers.

[ohio hab]

Check the number of the block casting number on the driver's side by the firewall. Their is no such thing as an 305 distributor. An sbc, bbc, Gen 1 distributor are all the same. If the engine run's like a dog, and won't break the tires loose, sound's like an 305, mule engine's. If truly an 350, should break the one wheel peel loose, unless timing is off.

[1980c10]

I had a stock 305 in my '82 4x4 with 31x10.5 tires and could turn them easy. Whatever engine you have it is not running properly.

[chevymanrob]

i will make this VERY easy. find the # on your block that is shown in my pic. then internet search it like on nastyz28 or similar places....

[Harmon]

Thanks yall for the help....I am going to go look in a second and Ill let yall know...

as far as the distbutor...I guess I was confused because I ended up REPLACING the Dist....but before I did I was replacing parts, and the ignition module in my Distrib was different from the 350 one accordin to a parts place....so I had to get one for a 305....does that make since?

[Psycho71]

Were the modules in fact different part numbers? Or were they just asking the same old questions they have to ask to find something like an R44Ts AC delco spark plu, after you tell them you want a set of R44TS plugs?

I can see where they might have different internal components after a response above provoked some thought on my part. Just surious if the modules are different, or not?