Never trust the serial number. They are many times restamped on replacement engines.
I have a 1958 235 with a serial number indicating it's a 1956. I also have a 216 with a serial number indicating it's a 1947, but the date code cast behind the starter indicates it's a 1950 engine.
The Date Code (circled in red on the attached pic - too fuzzy when zoomed up to read) will tell you when it was cast. The code consists of a Letter indicating the month, followed by the day of the month, then one more number indicating the last digit of the year. For instance the 235 I have has a date code of B 24 8, indicating February 24 1958.
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.
