mamba_888 Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 Hi folks... Once again, I am seeking you guru's advice. I am looking to buy a 1983 Trans Am advertised with a 400 ci engine. Now, I've researched that year and it only came with a 305 ci in the V8 versions! The seller is telling me that to his knowledge, the engine has been swapped in and that he's not really sure if it is truly a 400 ci (he did the same research as I). Is there something SPECIFIC I can check within the engine block, like casting number(s), or some protrusion or what not that will definitively would tell me its a 400ci (from a 350ci or 305ci)??? I am getting this at a great price with a 700r4 tranny so I need all the help you guys can give on this. This will go very well into my planned 240z V8 hybrid. Thanx in advance. I must also confess that I bypassed the "SEARCH FIRST" rule but instead opted for your kind assistance so please don't flame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280Zone Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 Look for the block number on the block just in front of the Trans bell housing on the drivers side. Then run the number on google, you should be able to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamba_888 Posted April 7, 2007 Author Share Posted April 7, 2007 Great!!! Thanx for the help!!!! To everyone else, if you have any more ideas, please keep them coming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedRacer Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 Since it is an '83 TransAm V8 it should be a small block Chevy. Get the casting number off the block (check here for the location http://www.mortec.com/location.htm ) and then check Mortec casting info for to determine what block it is http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamba_888 Posted April 7, 2007 Author Share Posted April 7, 2007 Thank you SpeedRacer (and 280Zone). This is a great link. I love HybridZ. What a bunch of helpful people! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rags Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 I'd look at the harmonic damper behind the lower pulley. Since the 400 is externally balanced, the damper will not be symetrical. It will look like there is a low spot that goes for 180 degrees at the engine side of the damper. Sort of making the damper only half thickness for half the circumference. It's kinda hard to explain but if it's a 400, you'll know what I mean when you see it. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted April 8, 2007 Share Posted April 8, 2007 grumpyvette always mentions the method of pulling the plugs and measuring how much Marvel mystery oil it takes to fill one of the cylinders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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