The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Help with engine ID on my '49 Chevy 3100

Recently purchased a '49 Chevy 3100 that has had the engine changed and I have been searching the forums for information. Believe the engine is a 1958-62 Chevy 235 but would like confirmation and a closer date if possible.

Block: casting #3769716 stamped on flat: F0409J
casting by starter: CON 3 D22 GM24

Head: drivers side casting # 3836848 GM-25
passenger side casting # B50 848/850

Most of those numbers lead me to think 1958-1962, but the valve covers are held on by two nuts. The valve covers are Wayne.
Any help would be appreciated as I am new to this.

Thanks,
Austin

Austin,

1960 was the first year Chevrolet put a 'zero' in front of the month, so your engine ID number breaks down like this...

F = Flint
04 = April (1959 and back just used '4' for April)
09 = Day
J = 235 with 3-speed transmission

I also believe the D22 casting number is your date code

D = Month (April)
2 = Day
2 = year (1962)

If I'm right, your engine was built one week after it was cast.

Mike B

Earlier 235/216 valve covers can be used on 1954 and later 235/261 engines if the earlier valve train studs are installed. Dating an engine by the valve cover only fools the non-diehard bolters.

Good luck and have fun with your new project...you are now hooked.

Paul

Thanks Mike B and Paul for helping me understand my "new" Bolt a little better (still have much to learn).
I presume this engine will have solid lifters that will need to be adjusted from time to time. If there is anything else I need to know let me know.

Thanks again,
Austin

Austin,

The J in the engine serial number that Mike posted as 235 with 3-speed transmission also refers to the engine being a truck Thriftmaster 235 engine. All truck 235 engines had mechanical lifters (except, maybe truck Thriftmaster 235s in a Powerglide truck - that code would have been JH).

http://www.1954advance-design.com/chev-specs/1962-t-ser-ID/

Thanks "tclederman" for the additional information on my engine.

All these good replies just add to my limited knowledge and are certainly appreciated.