I'm trying to figure out if a Chevelle for sale a big block or a 350. Is there a stamping or some other indicator on the block somewhere to help a newbie determine what the displacement is?

I had a 396 on my Chevelle before and I never really bothered to question it because it 396 almost everywhere (stickers, emblems, etc) but the Malibu im' looking into purchasing has a block that by looks only looks very small.

help please ! :yes:

how big are the valve covers?

Look at the cylinder head. If the center two exhaust ports are right next to each other its a small block. If all four exhaust ports are spread equally apart, its a big block.

Yeah that is true. But you should be able to tell just by looking at the valve covers.

For starters, why don't you just ask the seller what engine is in the car?

Well that works too. :yes:

Big block valve covers are attached with 7 bolts and the small block ones have 4.
James

Thanks for the replies :)

Seller states it's a 396 but I suspect he doesn't know any better. He claims it's an SS but it's a 136 car. He's not malicious... probably just doesn't know. Anyway, I have my doubts which prompted my post here.

The engine looks rather small under the hood compared to my old 396, but without knowing the minor details (i.e. placement of exhaust ports, thanks Landshark16!) i won't be able to notice it based on the size of valve covers. i don't trust my estimating skills that much. Is there a more definite way like, say, a 350 has 4 valve cover bolts vs. say a 396 has 6? Something like this would really help me.

Also, just so I understand correctly on the exhaust port thing...
These would fit on a 350 but not on a big block because the middle ports are closer together?
http://www.pitstopparts.com/images/performance/images/hedman/68608.jpg

Big block valve covers are attached with 7 bolts and the small block ones have 4.
James

You beat me to it! Thanks!

Thanks for the replies :)
Seller states it's a 396 but I suspect he doesn't know any better. He claims it's an SS but it's a 136 car. He's not malicious... probably just doesn't know. Anyway, I have my doubts which prompted my post here.


Careful how much you question the owner ... he may know! You do realize that SS396 cars in '69 & '70 are "136" vin's? A "138" would get you a station wagon! And most "136" vin cars in '69 & '70 were NOT SS cars.

Anyhow ... your bigger concern is being able to tell a 396 from 454 (can easily be done), and if you really are looking to question the authenticity of an engine in the car, do much more research.

Take care, Neal

All the 13637 represents is a Malibu Sport Coupe with a V-8. :yes:

Do a little reading. http://www.chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html There are many signs to help ID a real SS but after 68 there is NO way to be 100% sure without paperwork and even that can sometimes be suspect. Get engine, trans and rear numbers and post them here. also get some pix of the car, Side, front, back, Interior, Engine bay, And also get a picture of the rag joint where the steering column connects to the steering box. Post them here.

it would probably have helped if I mentioned it's a 66' Malibu #136. I had the same issues authenticating my 70 chevelle so, unfortunately, i know all too well the painful process this entails. he's selling at a Malibu price and not at a SS price so i'm not too worried. i just want to make sure of what i'm buying regardless of what the seller claims.

ok, so i'm down to counting the valve cover bolts and determining the distance of the inner exhaust ports. also the size of the valve covers (small being suspect).

Thanks again for all your help. Please let me know if i've missed anything else.

As far as I know all the '68 and before Super Sports had their vins start out 138. But I could be wrong.

66 136**** definitely NOT an SS.
Big block. Note the center exaust ports, Wide valve covers and 7 valve cover bolts (4 on bottom, 3 on top)
http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/100/138/138-BP4960CTC.jpg

small block. Note center ports, Narrow valve covers and 4 valve cover bolts (2 on bottom, 2 on top)
http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/100/138/138-bp3555ctc.jpg

a big block takes up the whole engine bay, and a small block doesn't.
that's the best way to tell.

66 136**** definitely NOT an SS.
Big block. Note the center exaust ports, Wide valve covers and 7 valve cover bolts (4 on bottom, 3 on top)


small block. Note center ports, Narrow valve covers and 4 valve cover bolts (2 on bottom, 2 on top)


Scott - that was super helpful. thanks for the pics and the education.

(and yes, i'm definitely not buying the car thinking it is an SS.)