HEADS: decodes 8878487 F16 7

I was wondering if anyone could decode these for me. These are on a 327. I've noticed that most head codes seem to start with a 3, any significance on these starting with an 8? I've been looking for awhile, thanks!

The only number I found that was close is:
3973487, 68-73 350.
Recheck the numbers.

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Dave
'69 Z11 Pace Car, 350/4 speed, manual top, console w/gauges, tilt rosewood wheel, AM radio

Thanks for the reply. I found those numbers on mortec.com. I thought that I had misread the first numbers when I found them on mortec. I went back and rechecked the numbers, and the 8878487 is correct.

Jason...

I just went to the WEB site you referenced (mortec.com) and couldn't find that number ANYWHERE!!! I did an Internet Explorer "Edit", then "Find on this page" ,and it didn't come up. Exactly where did you see this number???? You've got me really curious!!



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Ed Bertrand
1968 RS/SS L-89
396/375 Convertible
My Home Page (http://home.pcmagic.net/bertfam)

I found the 3973487 on mortec.com while trying to find out what I have. My uncle told me that when looking at SBC heads, you look at the last 3 numbers. So I assumed the 3973487 would be similiar to the heads I have. The 8878487 is the casting number on the heads that I have. Sorry for any confusion. I was hoping someone here might be able to give me some information on these heads, since they have a casting number that I can't find. I've looked on the internet and I bought a book "Chevrolet by the numbers". And I haven't found anything yet.

Jason,

Okay, now I get it!!

Yeah, your "8878487" heads are a real mystery! I have several books on casting numbers and it's not in ANY of these. The only thing I can think of, is that they MAY be (and I'm grasping at straws here...), MAY be truck heads, or something like that. Military??? Heavy Equipment??? A lot of these applications never made it into any of the books. You're sure these numbers are "CAST" into the heads and not "STAMPED". Sometimes rebuilders stamp in their own numbers when they rebuild them. Usually on the outside of the head, and they also (usually) keep the original casting number intact.

You can also look on the front/back of the heads and see if they have the threaded holes, which would indicate 1969 and later heads if they do. If not, then they're 1968 and earlier. (Not sure about truck applications though...)

The "F-16-7" date code would indicate either June 16, 1957 (staggered valve cover bolt holes), June 16, 1967 (NO threaded holes on the ends of the heads), June 16, 1977 (Threaded holes on the ends), etc....

You can also measure the diameter of the valves. This will at least give you a size to work with. The intake valves will be either 1.7", 1.9" 2.02" or 2.05".

The only problem with the "3973487" heads are that they were only produced from 1971 to 1976. (Mortec says 71 to 72, but I have other books that reference this head as being made from 71 - 76), But anyway, if it was these heads, the F-16-7" date code doesn't fit!

Good luck and let us know what you find...
Ed


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Ed Bertrand
1968 RS/SS L-89
396/375 Convertible
My Home Page (http://home.pcmagic.net/bertfam)

Ed, I appreciate the help. The number is cast on the passenger side head, between the front 2 cylinders. I don't know alot about engines, but I'm assuming this is the casting number. I'll check for the threaded holes on the front and back of the head. Thanks.

Ed,

I finally got around to looking at the heads. The heads do have the threaded holes on the ends. There were 3 holes. The valve covers bolts do not alternate. They are parallel to each other. I've tried searching truck heads and military equipment/engines. Still no luck.

I have these heads on my 68 Camaro, They are on a 350. The left head is 3973487 B41. The right head is 3873487 B41. Your number sounds like the right head. Perhaps the 8s you are reading are actually 3s. On mine the B=Feb,4=Date 1=71 so they were built on Feb.4,1971.

Jason,

I agree with Warren. You most likely are reading the numbers wrong. You may also have the date codes wrong too. "F-16-7" COULD actually be "F-16-1", indicating 1971. It's not a hard thing to do as the numbers kind of run together most of the time. 3's, 8's, 6's, and 9's are easily mistaken for each other a lot of times. Parts that have been cast will almost always have this problem...

As for your heads (if the 3973487 is indeed your number), this configuration came in two valve sizes. 1.94" and 2.02", depending on the engine they were destined for. Unfortunately, the only way to tell what size valves are on your car is to pull the heads and measure the diameters.

As for the original HP rating, they could be anywhere from 245 to 330 (for 1971 heads), but again, it would depend on the engine they were destined for.

Take a real close look at all the numbers again and verify the casting numbers AND the date codes.

Ed


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Ed Bertrand
1968 RS/SS L-89
396/375 Convertible
My Home Page (http://home.pcmagic.net/bertfam)

Yep, I looked at the heads today. Ya'll were correct about the date code. I had my uncle come over and take a look (He knows alot more about this than I do). The date code is "F 16 1". But the first number in the head casting number is an "8". I'm still looking to see what's the significance of the "8" is. Sorry for my screw up. I'm an amateur, but I'm learning. lol Thanks for ya'lls help.