Ok, I have googled til I can't google no more! Was there an option for a 318 with a 4 bbl from the factory in 1984? It is in a short wheel base Prospector truck. The engine code in the vin is "T".

Now here's the story... I bought a 1985 D150 stepside with no engine. I found a 1984 D150 in a salvage and it is marked as a 5.2L. I opened the hood to check it out and there is a 4bbl sitting on top. I haven't checked the block numbers yet but I am considering pulling the trigger anyway. Only problem is there is no warranty whatsoever. They will rotate it by hand, but other than that, no warranty. They only want $200 for it, everything minus alt, a/c comp, starter and power steering pump. I already have those items so thats no big deal...

 

i think they did have a 4 barrel option in 84. so they only want $200 for the whole truck minus those parts? don't seems like that bad of a deal. i scrap my 91 with a lot less to it the other day for $260.

 

Thanks for the info on the '84, but I knew it was too good to be true. I called them to make arrangements to pick up the truck and they said the $200 was for the engine only. Now I have to decide if I want to take a chance on this 318 or another one. I still might buy the motor for $200, maybe I can get it for $150?!

 

if you can get it for $150 it might not be bad. are you allowed to remove the valve covers and take a look at the rockers. if everything looks clean and the engine turns over it might be worth the gamble even at $200. think of how much it would cost to get a 4 barrel intake and carb. stock 4 barrel intakes are just as good as the aftermarket ones are on a truck except the aftermarket ones are a bit lighter. with a truck the weight difference most likely wont effect anything much.

 

why cant u bring a battery with u and a small bottle of gas to hear it start? at least do a compression check on the motor pull a plug or is it only the intake u want

 

just a guess the O.E.M. manifold should be cast iron.. 84 ply could have had a 4 bbl. when i put a 4 bbl on my 84 318 ply i had to buy a factory carb cable cause the 4 bbl cable is longer than a 2 bbl cable. so my advice be sure and get the O.E.M. cable and all brackets ect.

 

Good suggestions guys, I will take a battery with me. I only had a few minutes to look it over the first time, but it appeared to have new plugs in it and no obvious oil leaks. I will take my compression tester and see if they let me use it.

I need the whole engine as the truck I purchased doesn't have one at all ( previous owner junked it when he saw 2 rods thru the block... his words, not mine). As far as weight, performance, etc... I am not overly concerned with that at this time... my daughter may be the one driving this when she gets her license. If I end up keeping it, thats when I will start looking to rebuild and beef things up. For now, I just want it driveable. My daughter even said she doesn't want it painted, she likes how it looks "old".

 

I'm back looking for just a bit more info. I've done some homework but still looking for a few finer points if possible...
I know it's a 318, I know the 4bbl is stock ( quadrajet 17087175 ). What I am looking for now is a little help with the casting numbers and stamps..
It is a black block ( 84 and newer?) with a casting of 7*22*87 on the passenger side, I am assuming this is a date code meaning this is an '87 block??? That will answer most of my questions.

8M318 10190191 stamped under the head on the drivers side and 4387530-31823 cast on the drivers side.

I haven't pulled the valve covers yet to look at the head casting numbers. I am assuming this is just a basic 318 engine which is fine, not looking for a hot rod just yet...

I will probably start a thread in the non tech side so I can document the build/project. I haven't done much yet...