Hot Rods Yet Another SBC ID question

My buddy is clearing out some stuff from his shop. He has two complete small block Chevys that came out of previous projects that he wants to sell but he doesn’t know what they are. He’s way down in SoCal so I can’t take the pictures, I’m trying to coach him to get what we need. HAMB crew is the best at this stuff so here’s what I have so far.
First engine ….

 

https://www.ss396.com/cars/small-block-chevy-identification-guide/

 

I believe that’s a 400

 

Great, then it is what he was told it is.
Here’s The date code…. Can we get more specific?

 

Those heads are pre 69's, the casting numbers will be "461, 462 or 291".

 

14C means Chevy car 1974 assembled at the C (Southgate, CA) plant which built full size cars. The CTC code was used for Chevelles and Monte Carlos as well as the big cars, but they weren't built at that plant.

 

The engines aren’t stock, both have aftermarket intakes and other mods done before he got em. Both ran fine. I’m just trying to give him a little assurance so he’s not lying to prospective buyers. All of his projects have been H.A.M.B. friendly until he ran off the tracks with a couple el ess conversions. He’s recovered from that.
I’ve been jumping from texting him, to NastyZ28, to the HAMB. I’m not that familiar with navigating the Nastyz28 website and I always seem to get better info through the HAMB.

 

It was assembled Oct 30th, 1973, and painted orange and black in anticipation of Halloween the next night.

 

That crank flange chart will help. The other engine has a 3970010 casting number and a C153 date code. The front pad is blank, probably decked at some point.
Thanks guys. Like many, he’s having some health issues and is cutting back on his activities. Just trying to help.

 

Another casting link for you..good site:

Chevy Casting Number identification - Block casting numbers (outintheshop.com)

'69-'79 350", car or truck, 2 or 4 bolt.

 

not much to say about this one, it most likely started life as a truck 350 in 1973. Whatever was done to it since then is more important than what it started out as.

 

You're right. He sent me a video, it sounds pretty lumpy at idle and seems really responsive. He says he'd be happy with $400-500 for each of them. He should be able to get that in SoCal.
Thanks again....

 

Hmmmm? a 400. If we were closer, i'de snatch that thing myself.

 

You never know. I have a house in LA. If he can get it there, I can get it up here in the Modesto area.

 

Sounds like a good deal for someone. Hope he gets what he wants out of them.

 

Should be an easy sell at those prices, not everyone is drinking the Ell Ess KoolAid.

 

I know you are doing this long distance, but if he can fire them up for buyers, (runs on all 8, no knock), I'd guess he would get more.

 

If I was in Cali, I would definitely take both.

 

Every real HAMBer should have at least one and preferably three first generation Chevy small blocks in his shop. Check the number of freeze plugs on each side, that usually indicated weather the 400 is a 2 or 4 bolt block. Some machine shops like the 2 bolt so splayed main caps can be machined. As I recall 2 plugs per side is a 2 bolt.

 

It's got 2 core plugs per side. First thing I asked him.
I guess I'm a real HAMBer, I've got four sitting around and two in cars. ???

 

I only have one, it's in a car. But I have two big blocks in cars and two more sitting in the shop!

 

Do multiple Hemi’s count ,,,,,I have a few ?
Many other Mopar engines,,,and several Chevrolet’s as well,,,,,,only 1 Flathead .

Tommy

 

Every time someone mentions an LS, I automatically think of an LS-5 or LS-6 454.

 

I'm close. I own a 57 power pack 283 and a 76 4 barrel 350 lol. My other sbc is a 96 350 from a truck

 

think big, one of my extra big blocks is an LS-7

 

I have owned an early van with a six and a Suburban for a short time as a tow rig with a 454. I've never owned a SBC.

 

Whereabouts in SoCal? Has he got them listed anywhere? I'm local and would probably buy them both