409 short block

[Carmine]

Hi everyone. I'm looking at a 409 short block. Here are the numbers on the back: 3830814, GM 4, 814, WO11, 962, Z, H3. Would someone kindly break down those numbers and tell me what this motor is?? Thank you, Carmine.

 

[wrench]

814 block is generally a 409 from 1963. The Q '__' on the front right pad will tell the horsepower rating of the engine at assembly. The date codes are listed in the data section, but 962? Are you sure? The rest of the data posted will take an expert.

 

[63 dream'n]

Hi everyone. I'm looking at a 409 short block. Here are the numbers on the back: 3830814, GM 4, 814, WO11, 962, Z, H3. Would someone kindly break down those numbers and tell me what this motor is?? Thank you, Carmine.

Like this

 

[Carmine]

Yes, that is exactly what it looks like. I'm told that it is a '63 passenger car motor 409/340. Just want to make sure. I will look on the right front pad for the other number indicating hp rating. Thank you everyone, Carmine.

 

[1961BelAir427]

From the numbers back there it could be a 63 or 64 block.....and either passenger or truck. If you can't get the suffix code off the front pad then post up a picture of one of the block decks. The car blocks have no notch in the chamber and the truck blocks do. Besides the suffix code, there is zero difference between a 340 HP block and the 400HP or 425HP ones. (Or the Z11 block from what I've always been told.)

 

[Carmine]

There are no notches in the cylinders. I'll look tomorrow for the suffix code.

 

[303Radar]

There are no notches in the cylinders. I'll look tomorrow for the suffix code.

I don't know if I'd say you've struck gold, but if a sonic check and magnaflux show no problems, I think you found a nice solid foundation. Congrats!

 

[Carmine]

I don't know if I'd say you've struck gold, but if a sonic check and magnaflux show no problems, I think you found a nice solid foundation. Congrats!

I hope your are right. Thanks.