Yes, a 54 engine, but the Z indicates it was originally installed in a car. A 1/2 ton truck 235 serial number for 54 would have ended in X or U (with HD clutch) or M (with Hydramatic transmission).
The block casting number should be down at the front lower right near the pan.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
Follow this saga in Project Journal
Photos
1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.