Sounds like someone swapped in a Impala engine. I'd deffinatlly track down the owner from before you and ask about what was done.

 

not sure if it has been suggested, but get it dynoed to see what your power curve looks like.

 

If it has stock springs I highly doubt it has a cam that can spin to 7k. And any spring that is not enough for a given cam is not going to rev much past the point at which the valve float begins. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

what is the engine rpm when crusing at 60mph, i am thinking the car may have gears since you are saying it gets going so fast. i have 2.73 and at 60 mph i am at 1550 and with 3.23 you should be around 1700 and 3.42 around 2k. this may help you find out if anything is done to that part of the car.

 

I ditto the Impala SS engine. I have one out back. I can probably get the casting number off the heads for you.

Check the VIN on the block. I think the 8th digit should be an F. If it's (B?) you have an Impala engine. The cam is different between the two engines, too.

 

If it is a b-body LT1 do not feel too bad, most here will bash it but they are the same shortblock and as already noted the heads flow at least as much as any of the aluminums. The power difference between the factory ratings had more to do with intake tract, tuning, exhaust etc. than it did the cams so no need to feel bad about that either.

 

I think it has the stock 3:23 gear in it and the car runs real good. He told me this morning he order a 4:10 and going to send the computer off to madz28. I think he will be very happy after he gets the bugs worked out. I rode in it and when it does get high in the rpms you can tell it quits pulling hard. He also told me he is going to try to get some numbers off the block.

later
Josh

 

Does the block VIN derivative include the "car line" code on the B-Bodys? In the 4th Gen F-Body, it includes the prodution serial number, and just the model year and whether its a Chevy or a Pontiac.

From Shoebox:

http://shbox.com/1/block_vin.jpg

From F-Body.org

http://www.f-body.org/oldfaq/html/vins/4genvins.html

 

It could be an lt1 from a caprice. They were not 350 either, more like 280 something and had iron heads. That would sux. Externally, you couldn't really tell.

 

The Caprice absolutely DID have the LT1 available, there was a 4.3L V8 base engine called the L99 which is more like 265ci.
The wagons, Roadmasters and Fleetwoods all got the LT1 as the only engine option.