The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine Colors & Should I Paint?

Here's a pic of my 235:

http://i.imgur.com/WSIBfOz.jpg

When I bought it it still had a rebuild tag on it from '00. Would that account for the different colors?

It's mounted and waiting for a balancer and water pump. Should I paint it or leave it rough (the truck is going to be likewise rough)?

most rebuilders paint any Chevy engine orange - I don't think any truck 235 was orange, I much prefer them gray, and a fresh paint job is much nicer to deal with for tune ups and repairs, as well as showing a "workman-like" attitude

Bill

That engine, as Bill posted has "rebuild-orange" valve cover (and, maybe head), and it looks like the block in 261 green?

Here are locations of ID codes. Find the codes and post them here - people will then help you ID the engine.

5 codes:
block casting code
block-date casting code
head casting code
head-date casting code
engine serial number

Looks like the front clip is off

Nows the time to do it.

jrdamien- Your picture tells the story that we are in a similar spot. For me, the only part of my truck (at this time) that will be pristine is the engine & every square inch under the hood. Here is an example of the before & after difference on the exhaust & intake. Not finished there, but it's a gray color example for you to look at like Bill mentioned.

I'm waiting for a slot to free up with the machine shop for my 235 to get examined-- in the meantime I'm doing all the scrubbing, blasting, cleaning, and priming/painting I can on the original mechanical parts. It helps me stay motivated & appreciate the (_____?) hard work/pride/detail that went into the parts. And, my wife can appreciate new shiny paint. She didn't much notice the new starter brushes when I installed them.

Just my opinion, but it is a whole lot easier to access that 235 to paint it where you have it right now.

Brad

If you find out that it is a 261, make sure that you either install the remote oil filter or run a bypass hose between the two oil filter line ports in the block. A 261 will not run long otherwise.

Block 3769716 (1958-1962) Date Code: J 17 0 (Oct 17, 1960 (1961 model year).

Serial Number: FI0I8BE (Originally assembled at Flint, Mich factory, assembled Oct 18th with a powerglide attached)

Head 3836848

This engine came from a truck during a V8 swap but wasn't this for a car because of the power glide?

It has a car balancer.

In 1960, the E suffix in the engine code indicates car 235 with Powerglide.

That engine might have move among one or more recipient/donor vehicles during its life.

Cool. Makes sense.