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Okay Stovebolters, I got a great story for you all. For the first time in 10+ years, fire has once again coursed through the cylinders of my 1941 Chevy 1 1/2 ton 4x4 engine! After several agonizing failed attempts (see thread below for the gory details or to boost your electrical ego), last night was the charm. When I got the truck, the engine had no wires under the hood as mice/rats/hoodlums had greater need for them? I had to start from scratch. With the help of fellow Stovebolters I managed to wire a rudimentary primary circuit. The engine unfortunately is a SBC transplant that a previous owner had installed. The engine is of unknown condition, an apparently common theme on this site. It was a classic IRWIPI, so I assumed it "could" run again. It turned over freely, had pretty good compression (120-150), and after solving some spark/timing issues it attempted to turn over. A couple of more attempts with breaks in between to let the starter cool, I got it to run. Working the throttle linkage while touching my hot wires together to energize the starter solinoid simutaniously is no easy task! Once I got the engine warmed up, it idled very well as though it was a daily driver. Reving up the engine, I noticed a good amount of smoke coming out of the left tailpipe. Initially I thought it was just burning off residue from sitting for such a long time. Smoke persistantly poured out of the exhaust, but only the left side. I then came to the realization that the smoke smelled more like wood smoke than oil smoke. Showers of sparks blew out of the exhaust each time I cranked the accelerator. It was eviction time for the mouse condo! After about 10 minutes the smoke ceased and the engine ran rather smoothly. I suspected a blockage hindering my starting problems. No singed rodent projectiles were reported.

http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=891652&page=1


The engine is now ready for a new home, as I plan to go back with a "more original" 1954 235. The SBC has block stamps V1121TKL and T8J506642 which I believe to be a 4-bolt main 350 from 1978-80. Can anyone confirm this? It also has a Holley spreadbore 4360 and a points type Delco distributor. I realize that there are regional differences in value, but how much is a complete running engine worth? I plan to put it up on Craigslist very soon but need some guidance on asking price as I need the cash to support my Chevy addiction.

Success and progress, that's what I like to see!

Thanks to all that have helped so far.

Paul

Yo Mickey! Get outta my engine!

Awesome to hear you got it going. I've seen 350's go for as much here in OK. No telling if they were running or not. Before you pull it, make a video of it for the potential buyer so they know that it does indeed run. Otherwise, you'll end up arguing with a potential moron about how much the motor's actually worth. I don't think $500 is out of the question for a running 350.

The best idea of value can be gained by checking on line for what the market on engines is. I would check on Ebay and Craig's List.

TKL = 1978 350, or a 1978 400, or a 1980 350. A 400 would have some material removed from the outside diamter of the front harmonic balancer, and also added weight on the flywheel for external balanceing. Also if you rub your hand down the side of the block you would feel lumps where each of the cylinders are.
If the side of the block is smooth it's a 350. Could you post the casting numbers on the back of the block? They're located on the drivers side of the block between the head and the bellhousing. 400 casting numbers, 3951511, 3951509, 330817. Hope this helps.

Brian

As I kept seeing flaming mouse house pieces flying out of the pipe, I envisioned a little mouse complete with helmet and cape flying out like the circus act "human cannonball". Cracked me up. Gotta find fun where you can!

I checked Craigslist locally, and the prices are all over the place, from $150 basket cases to $4500 race ready engines. I need to find a comparable running engine price, but with no known provinence (ie mileage). The engine runs real smooth with no ticking or noise, and the throttle response is great considering I timed it by ear. Tempts me to keep it in the truck if only the mounting graft job wasn't so poorly implimented.

55 SHAKER, the casting number on the SBC is 3970010, no waves along the block so I guess it is a 350. The engine is the Chevy light blue if that helps any. I also ran the casting numbers on the rams horn exhaust manifolds, they both are 3932461 RH. If I am looking at this correctly, they are both right hand side 1969 Corvette manifolds wo/A.I.R. Most manifolds with that casting number have ports for the air injection tubes. Might be a separate market for them I hope as it will enable more 235 funds.

Thanks guys,

Paul

Paul, with a TKL and a 3970010 casting, I would guess it to be a 1978 350 with a 4 barrel, rated at 165 HP.

Thanks, that is what I believe it to be as well.

Well, this was a neat little "add on" for Paul's Gallery story. Just got it up in the main page. Check it out and all his other pictures. NEATO!!

Peg

Okay, now Paul's got a new picture with the fenders on. Lookin' good!