SBC cylinder head identification
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==Basics of cylinder head identification== | ==Basics of cylinder head identification== | ||
| − | A big block Chevy (BBC) or small block Chevy (SBC) head is readily recognized by | + | A big block Chevy (BBC) or small block Chevy (SBC) head is readily recognized by most, as are MOPAR Hemi heads, small block Ford (SBF) heads, and depending on experience and engine preferences, others as well. |
| − | + | Telling the difference between the various SBC heads can be hard if all there is to go on is what they look like. While there are visual cues that can help tell them apart (like the fuelie 'double hump'), there are several ways to ID cylinder heads closer than using just visual cues. | |
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| − | + | ===Casting number=== | |
| + | The casting number (c/n) is cast into the head as opposed to being stamped. The casting number is usually the best thing to use to tell what a cylinder head was originally used on and its potential for performance use. | ||
| − | + | When referring to the different casting numbers of Chevy heads, typically the last three digits are used because in most cases these numbers are not reused. There is always an exception to the rule; in this case it's c/n 462- which was used on no less than SIX different castings! | |
| − | + | The casting number may be out in the open where it can be easily seen, like the Pontiac V8, or somewhat harder to see but still visible without taking anything off the head, or the number can be under the valve cover or under the head where it's difficult to see without some amount of disassembly. | |
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| − | + | ===Casting date=== | |
| − | + | Like casting numbers, the date code is cast into the head, and may or may not be visible without removing the valve cover. | |
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| − | + | The date code generally has a letter followed by two or three numbers. The letter is the month. The next number or two numbers will be the day of the month. The last number is the last digit of the year. | |
| − | + | *Example '''C124''': | |
| + | **C = March (A = Jan., B = Feb., etc.) | ||
| + | **12 = day of the month | ||
| + | **4 = year ending in 4, i.e. 1964, 1974, 1984, etc. | ||
| − | + | ===Cast in identifiers=== | |
| − | + | These are different shapes that are usually found on the end of the heads. Some examples are shown [[SBC cylinder head identification#Some common small block Chevy head ID castings|'''below''']]. | |
==Casting numbers== | ==Casting numbers== | ||
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*'''P-''' Double (Captain’s) bars c/n 193. Used on TBI equipped engines. Mid 1980-up style centerbolt valve cover. Has restrictive vane cast in intake port to induce swirl/turbulence. Not usually recommended for high RPM performance applications unless serious port work is done. Hardened exhaust seats. | *'''P-''' Double (Captain’s) bars c/n 193. Used on TBI equipped engines. Mid 1980-up style centerbolt valve cover. Has restrictive vane cast in intake port to induce swirl/turbulence. Not usually recommended for high RPM performance applications unless serious port work is done. Hardened exhaust seats. | ||
| + | {{Note1}} Return to [[SBC cylinder head identification#Cast in identifiers|'''Cast in identifiers''']] | ||
==SBC heads to avoid== | ==SBC heads to avoid== | ||
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