'Dumb Newbie Guy' Question

[bobavett]

Hi all

Can you tell me where the engine block numbers are located ?

I have a 1986 Vett and are trying to determine whether I have Alumin or cast iron heads .....

Thanks for your help on this one .....

Regards

Darren

[fine69]

Originally Posted by bobavett

Can you tell me where the engine block numbers are located ? I have a 1986 Vett and are trying to determine whether I have Alumin or cast iron heads .....

V8 codes are stamped on a pad just forward of the right side (passenger) cylinder head.

You'll have to remove your valve covers to get the ID numbers for your cylinder heads.

[bobavett]

Thanks for that.

I have a screw down distributor cap .... would that indicate cast iron heads?

Cheers

Darren

[toms94]

Why don't you just take a magnet and put it against the head and see if it sticks or not?

[fine69]

Originally Posted by bobavett

Thanks for that. I have a screw down distributor cap .... would that indicate cast iron heads?

Cheers

Darren

Apparently, in 1986 all Corvettes were equipped with aluminum cylinder heads (a switch from cast-iron). However, the initial heads put into production were too thin. Testing for durability reveled that cracks could occur under high engine loads.

New and improved heads were installed by the middle of the 1986 model year. These heads had centrally located copper-core spark plugs for better combustion, plus larger intake ports and sintered-metal valve seats.

John Z or other experts could give your more exact information, I'm sure.

[lt1george]

Hi Newbie Guy,
Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.

Cracking around the head attachment bosses required an introduction delay for design revisions to 1986's aluminum cylinder heads. The heads were ready in time for convertible production and ALL 1986 convertibles and late production coupes had aluminum heads (it's believed that last 8,594 coupes built had aluminum heads). Production in 1986 was Corvette Coupe: 27,794 & Corvette Convertible: 7,315 Save the Wave. > George

[milehigreg]

That should work!

[bobavett]

thanks for all the advice.

Have also been told if the sparkplugs are on an 'angle' then its Alum, if the sparkplugs are 'straight' then the heads are cast iron.

Cheers

Darren

[nelson84]

The aluminium heads on the 86 had the valve cover bolts in the centre of the valve covers and the iron heads are on the edges, this is the easiest way to tell on a vette.

[nelson84]

Take a picture of your engine and we will tell you yes or no to the aluminium heads.

[bobavett]

Thanks nelson84 .... will do .....

Regards

Darren

[lt1george]

Darren, Just check your vin #. If it is # 19,200 or above , you have aluminum heads. Pictures are alway nice too. Lets see some pictures of your Corvette down under. It's summertime for you. Save the Wave.>George

[bobavett]

Hi George

VIN 1G1YY0781G5125876

Does ththis make it Alum heads???

Will post photos soon .....

Cheers

Darren

[bobavett]

The Vett freshly unloaded from the container (California)

Cheers

Darren

[grumpyvette]

http://www.mortec.com/location.htm

http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm