I'm looking at buying a engine from a 98 with a build date 12/97.
I looked at the block casting # below the IP and found the single # 5 in the block. Also has the same on the passenger side.
Is this a good block to have?

Thanks, Tom

 

How big is the 5? First thought that comes to my mind is someone ground off the 3, so people who knew enough about the 53 blocks would think it was something else.

 

It was about 1 inch tall!
I thought some time ago, someone also had a simular situation with a 5 block.

Thanks, Tom

 

I was wondering the same thing. On the block in my 98 I have a single 5 on both sides as well. It doesn't look like it has been ground down. I'm curious if anyone else has a #5 block.

 

my 98 has a number 5 on the forward passenger side as well. the chance of the previous owners grinding the 3's off on all of our trucks seems a little far fetched. you should be fine