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Technical ID-ing a 3932388 SBC Block...

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Byers, Sep 15, 2014.

  1. Byers
    Joined: Sep 9, 2014
    Posts: 67

    Byers

    I've got a 3932388 Small Block Chevy Block. I know it's for Camaro, but I hear it can be for other applications. It's a 4 Bolt. I think it's a 1969 with the J 22 8 date code. Is it as rare as they say, or is it just typical? I think it's worth around $400. Let me know what you think...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Thanks for any info!!!
     
  2. oldolds
    Joined: Oct 18, 2010
    Posts: 3,408

    oldolds
    Member

    . This seems to be a popular question. The casting number 3932388 is "said to be rare" because "they say" not many cars much less Camaro's got this block casting number that are known. There seems to still be some confusion on this though. Let me put it in plain english it is NOT RARE!!! The book Chevrolet by the Numbers 1965-69: The Essential Chevrolet Parts Reference[​IMG] says this engine was put in 1969 passenger cars and Camaro's. Their notes say this and I quote (but is actually false info):
    "Very little is known about this block. It seems that most blocks were Tonawanda cast and built, but some Norwood assembled Z28's used this block with Flint-produced engines. From all indications the block is identical to #3932386. It has been found in Passenger cars with the 350/300hp engine suffix code stamping. At least four SS 350 and at least two Z28 Camaros were built with this block, with casting dates ranging from L 20 8 to C 11 9. At least one Camaro was built it September 1969 with this block. Other cars could have received this rare block, but it is unknown which or why. Most #3932388 blocks are dated from September to December 1968."
    We have apparently had all (and then some) of the owners, according to Chevrolet by the Numbers 1965-69[​IMG], of this block casting to email us about it. So in other words this block casting is not at all rare in our opinion. The problem is there are no exact numbers as to how many cars had this block casting number but it is way more than what it takes to be called rare. The block doesn't have any special features that sets it off from the rest that would make it any more desirable than other blocks from that time period though. This is not to say that the "Chevrolet By the Numbers" books aren't still a great resource for Chevy information though. This block casting number they just happened to way underestimate the quantity of them that were produced. I wanted to quote the "Chevrolet By the Numbers" information so people know where the idea that this block is rare might have come from. This error shouldn't be the reason that keeps you from buying these useful books though.

    Above info stolen from here......http://www.chevy-camaro.com/faq/chevy-camaro-faq-3932388.shtm
     
    loudbang likes this.
  3. Deuces
    Joined: Nov 3, 2009
    Posts: 23,921

    Deuces

    Small blocks are all Vette motors.. :rolleyes: ;)
     
    Byers likes this.
  4. volvobrynk
    Joined: Jan 30, 2011
    Posts: 3,587

    volvobrynk
    Member
    from Denmark

    Nop, not all. There are alot of "010" speciale casting, high nickel and chrome, smokey yunick blessed and rare as adult movie stars with natual untouched tits 350 flying around the www, right now. :shock)

    But the stamped pad on the front driveside, is just as importend in the matter of how rare, right?
     

  5. 34toddster
    Joined: Mar 28, 2006
    Posts: 1,482

    34toddster
    Member
    from Missouri

    What is stamped on the front pad?
     
  6. txturbo
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 1,771

    txturbo
    Member

    The numbers that tell you what application the motor was actually installed in and what transmission was behind it.
     
  7. volvobrynk
    Joined: Jan 30, 2011
    Posts: 3,587

    volvobrynk
    Member
    from Denmark

    It tells what car/truck/iscream Van it was born in, what kind of output/intake and what gearbox.

    And there are some combo that are more rare then others.

    But a 350 ci with 300 or 350 hp, with a 350 turbo in a "childmolester" Van, aint that rare, but some others are more desireable.
     
  8. txturbo
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 1,771

    txturbo
    Member

    exactly...that's why I said it.
     
  9. Speed Gems
    Joined: Jul 17, 2012
    Posts: 6,433

    Speed Gems
    Member

    According to Nasty z/28.com it could be a 290 H.P. 302 block out of a 69' z/28. The fact that it's 4 bolt 302 block (if in fact it is) :rolleyes: might make it more rare but I don't know how many four bolt 302 block were produced. http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.php
     
  10. volvobrynk
    Joined: Jan 30, 2011
    Posts: 3,587

    volvobrynk
    Member
    from Denmark

    Yes I know, but I type to slow with my fat fingers, IPhone and being from Denmark, but I wanted to put it in one Message, and that did'nt happen, sorry if that is a PITA for you too.
    I'm just backing you up, not putting you down. :)

    A 302 flips it back over again, so semi rare. B-)
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2014
  11. mgtstumpy
    Joined: Jul 20, 2006
    Posts: 9,214

    mgtstumpy
    Member

    3932388 35068-79 300hp car & Truck 4-Bolt

    3932386
    302-327-350 68-74 250-350hp 2 & 4-Bolt
    3956618 302/327/350 68-79 250-350hp 2 & 4-Bolt
    3970010 302/350 69-79 145-370hp car & Truck 2 & 4-Bolt Most common
    389257 302 67 2-bolt
    http://www.chevymania.com/
     

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