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GM vs Bow Tie engine blocks

Rocket-J

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I see many people confusing a GM Engine with a Bow Tie Engine. They think that all GM built blocks are Bow Tie. Not true.
The "Bow Tie" block is sold through the GM High Performance stores. Some dealerships are labeled so, but not all. There are a few grade levels of Bow Tie Blocks from Sportsman grade to full Pro Grade.
Don't take a seller's word for what he is selling. He may not know. Do some research on how to identify a true Bow Tie engine block before you buy it. They have extra features that make them easy to replace your GM block.
 

Wheeler

I'm just here to bitch about others negativity.😁
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Pretty sure it's just a "GM 502"

The "Bowtie" blocks have a different casting number, and an embossed bowtie emblem on the side of the block, very easy to spot.

Do they have a higher nickel content?
 

SoCalZero

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Mine has billet splayed main caps. The block is a gen V but takes a gen IV pan gasket. And of course the bow tie cast into the side.
 

obnoxious001

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Mine has billet splayed main caps. The block is a gen V but takes a gen IV pan gasket. And of course the bow tie cast into the side.

So you have changed out the block that was in it with external water cooling lines? What's the casting number on yours?
 

SoCalZero

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So you have changed out the block that was in it with external water cooling lines? What's the casting number on yours?

This is the same block I got the boat with.
24502506
454 Tall Deck. It's a bow tie, race prep
 

AzGeo

Fair winds and following seas George.. Rest Easy..
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Every one I've used had 'blind head bolt holes' in the decks .........
 

DaveH

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no question about it....

the bowtie blocks are sold for racing using and different than "production" blocks. production blocks will not have a bowtie logo.
 
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