That usually indicates a lean condition. You could check around the engine for vacuum leaks, fuel delivery issues, or possibly valvetrain problems.
Chevy does not cast the block size onto the block. once you see a big block compared small block you will know the difference. at a glance with nothing to compare it to id say look at the head. small block heads have one exhaust port close the ends and two exhaust ports real close together in the middle. the big blocks exhaust ports are evenly spaced and not close together at all. If it is a 350 or smaller it is a small block. If it is a 396 or larger it is a big block except for the 400 which was made in both small block and big block configuration.
1100 deg
When the center exhaust valves are side by side (siamese), it's a small block (EIIEEIIE). Big blocks are symmetrical (EIEIEIEI).
no
it flows exhaust to the EGR value
If you have the heads off then the small valve will be the exhaust. Now if the heads are still on the block then remove the valve cover and look at the valve springs. Starting at the front of the head and moving towards the rear the valves will be in this order. E I I E E I I E The E stands for exhaust and the I stands for intake.
The exhaust is different, and you will probably need a bigger radiator.
Sounds like an exhaust leak.
It has 8 intakes and 8 exhaust if it's a V-8 engine.
This is more common with aftermarket pipes. The popping can be detonation of a small amount of unburned fuel when it is blown past the valves and ignites inside the exhaust pipe from the heat. It will also sometimes backfire through the carburetor where the rider feels the "pop" through the airbox cover.
I do not own a '96, but as on all small-block Chvy motors, I believe, it is located on the left rear side of the engine block. The filter is relativly short, and is between the engine block and the exhaust pipe coming off of the left side exhaust manifold.
In through the bottom hose, out through the top.