ok folks, got a bit of news today from the boss's dad (he actually purchased the truck in 78'). he was told the motor had been swapped. i got email back from MORTEC and they say its a 65' 327ci/185hp w/2bbl. basically original.
i did some crawling during lunch and got this engine casting #3782870. ( first digit may be an 8, not sure) and this number came of the passenger side head under the valve cover, #3884520 and in the center of the head is GM 23.
i'm gonna keep lookingto see what i have here. i could use all of your inputs and thanks again.
roy
