Older 379 gas

[scwaters]

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!

[dphipps]

What's a 379?

[scwaters]

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.

[dphipps]

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...)

[scwaters]

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.

[Stewart G Griffin]

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?

[scwaters]

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.

[zieg85]

Is there a number stamped on the block behind the alternator?  How about a picture?

[scwaters]

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.

[scwaters]

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.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i believe this engine is a crate 350 replacement.

[scwaters]

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.

[Stewart G Griffin]

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.

[scwaters]

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.

[Irish_Alley]

400 isnt a big block ;-)