So , I have 3 350 blocks , 1969,1970, and if I remember correctly a 1975 . Any benefit or preference as far as durability , core shift , strength , etc ? FYI - TA roller rockers and 1970 era heads are pretty much done .
They're pretty much all the same, I have a '78 350 block and compared it to my '71 block, these are the differences I saw. '71 block has drain plug for the block the '78 does not. '71 block has provisions for the factory windage tray, '78 does not. '71 blocks main caps fit tight in the block register, '78's were sloppy '71 block's cam bearing bores were smooth, the '78s blocks cam bearing bore were knurled, had to ream the bearings to size. It seemed to me, as the tooling and molds got old, the machining got sloppy.
thanks mark . i have the 75 block on hold , not cleaned yet , waiting because thats the crank n rods i have the prep started on . but maybe i'll pull the 69 n 70 blocks and look 'em over . just getting my 4'x4' inspection/work table cleaned off .
Compare the blocks and decide, the '78 block I had may have been garbage There were some extra casting ribs on the bell housing and front of the '78 block that the '71 didnt have, cant see that making much difference.
The biggest thing is the later blocks have a center coolant scallop so you can use any year heads. It’s hit and miss, I normally prefer an early block but we must look fir cote shift and pick the best block. I looked at 6 blocks before I picked the one I wanted for my latest build.
