The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop questions about what engine is in my 1955 3100

hi.

trying to find out which engine (and which year engine) I have in my truck.

seems like this is a frequent topic, but I have looked and read everything I can and am still not sure what I have.

my concern is whether or not this is the original engine for the truck, or did someone swap it out.


so, here we go:
1955 3100
6 cyl engine


(1)
it has a 'vented' valve cover.
but from what I read (from what I could find) they were last used in 1954.
so, was this still legit for a true 1955 engine (that is: vented valve cover)?

(2)
I see a large size number on the driver side of the engine, but can't find it online at any of the web pages with these numbers. there are other numbers close to it, but not a match:
3836848
does that number mean anything to anybody?

(3)
I see a small plate behind the distributor with a number stamped into it that I 'think' is :
FI2IHE
but I can't find anything on that anywhere either.
the numbers I do find on the web seem shorter or longer.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

to answer #1 and 2,

1) Not sure when the vented valve cover was last used... I know is was used on my 54's original engine. But someone could have replaced your original one with a 54's cover... same bolt pattern if I remember right.

2) where did you find that number... on the head? cause that seems like a head number, the 848 head, which is the better head on these stove bolts.

3) I'll let someone else comment

The serial number breaks down like this; F; Flint plant, 121; December 1st assembly date, HE; 1957 235 4000 standard engine, optional in 3000 with RPO 227 HD Clutch.

Looks to me that you have a hodgepodge of parts. The vented cover is '54, the 848 is '56 or later (a good thing BTW, higher compression). I don't know what the F121HE stamp is.