hi everyone
have aan issue with an engine that i have.
the block casting is 3855961 date code a-15-6
the code below r/s head T0124EF
now the code seems to be a 66 396/360 hp engine with a 4 speed out of a chevelle
however my chevelle restoration guide says all 360hp engines were 4 bolts[;this is not]
i want to sell this engine and dont want to rip anyone off...btw i measures the height of the stamp and its around 1/4 inch...maybe smaller
any help would be thankful
i belong to team camaro but i thought i could get the answers from the chevelle guys...thanks

I'm not sure that 4-bolt blocks were used all year in 1966 for the 360HP engines. They started out the year using the 3855962 4-bolt blocks, but later in the year Chevy started using 2-bolt service replacement blocks for warranty replacements. The 360 and 325HP engines are basically the same engine with a different cam. Also, later in the year, Chevy started building the 3855961 castings in both 2-bolt and 4-bolt configurations. The 3855962 blocks were discontinued. The 375HP 396 then used a 4-bolt 961 block. However, your January 961 block is too early to have been one of these 4-bolt 961s. You should have your block stamps evaluated by an expert before declaring the engine a restamp. Can you post a photograph?

thanks bruce, ill post tomorrow. i remeasured stamp and its around 5/32nds. from what ive read thats pretty close.
in your opinion is the 360 worth anymore than the 325 engine?
ahhh.. maybe ill just keep it...it is a part of GM history...thanks again

thanks bruce, ill post tomorrow. i remeasured stamp and its around 5/32nds. from what ive read thats pretty close.
in your opinion is the 360 worth anymore than the 325 engine?
ahhh.. maybe ill just keep it...it is a part of GM history...thanks again

Well, it has a partial VIN on it if original so it won't match anybody's car, but someone still might like it just because it is an EF. Basically it is still a 2-bolt block so not worth more than any other 961 2-bolt block.

I would say with no disrespect to my friend Bruce ... That more 66 360hp blocks are 2 bolt 961's than not. In my experience.

I will also say that Yes, all things equal., the 360hp will bring more money than equiv 325hp

Mike

from what ive read the 360hp wasnt that rare, but, the 325hp engine production for chevelles were almost double [according to chevelle restoration book] and, the 375hp roughly 10%
this engine will end up either in the camaro im doing,or, ill save for another project
thanks for all your input. you guys are just as nice as team camaro guys. have a great day

Dave,

Yes, us Chevelle guys are just as nice as the Camaro guys. (I post on the Camaro site too). :D

Go here for more information on the "961" block.
http://www.chevellestuff.com/qd/block_casting_by_year.htm


No disrespect to anyone either, but I agree with Mike that the EF coded engine IS WORTH MORE than a 325 hp code engine.

Per a Chevrolet Engineering Service Letter dated 1/11/1966 of which I have a copy, the 360 horse 396 used the 962 4-bolt main from the start of production until 12/10/1965. After that date, all 360 horse 396's used the 961 2-bolt block.

360 block worth more ?? identical block in the 325hp ..............only internal engine diff was the cam ..........Mike assume you say worth more because its stamped as an EH ..... does it have a vin or partial vin ?? if no vin I could be interested my EH car built Jan 19 1966 cdn car so no vin .....doubt my original block can be bored anymore :(

OOOPS reread your post block casting date Jan 15th engine assembly date Jan 24th

There is a '66 325hp block on Atlanta craigslist, and the guy is asking $600 for it. It is a bare block. May be someone on here owns the car.
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