?? I did not quote you- one of my sentences paraphrased one your yours, then added a lot more info. As far as "failing to mention" cooling problems, I was not aware of any systemic problem. I have not owned a Gen V BBC, although I have had 10+ Gen IV and Gen VI. Right now I have 4 Gen VI engines- 2 in boats, 1 in Suburban and one in the garage that is a project motor.

Maybe you are thinking of the intake manifold leaks that sometimes occur on Gen VI in trucks? Antifreeze weeps down into the oil gallery. Lots of people know about this on the 350 Vortec engines, but it also happens on the 454 more frequently than it should.

OK its either a gen IV or V, just not sure which one it is

Fixx
 

if their is a spot for a fuel pump then its not a gen v block..

BINGO!!!!!

Also, MRFIXXALL is correct, GEN V had some oiling issues! They made some changes when the GEN VI came out to correct it..

And yes, there was a Mark IV 502/540 etc...bowtie blocks....

I know this is a old thread, but how would I know if I had bowtie blocks or just Mark IV standard blocks? Looking on BAM website it just says 502 Mag Bravo.

Engine Serial#'s OD808544
OD805211

I believe there would be a Bowtie emblem on the side of the Mark IV block if it's a Bowtie.

Yes look for the bowtie emblem stamped into side of block. The early 502 mag mark IV blocks were bowtie blocks. GM never made a production mark IV block so for the early 502 they used the bowties

just to add,,some people dont know what a bowtie emblem is,,the chevy emblem is the bowtie emblem..

So basically if there is a fuel pump on the side and isn't a bowtie(chevy emblem) what would it be? Original motor? Can't see if there is a bowtie at this point as motors are still in boat.

Mark IV 454