The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1954 235 full pressure or low pressure?

Good afternoon from Iowa

I realize this subject has asked / "beat up" numerous times, but I'm a bit confused. Of course this happens more frequently as I age but I'm living with it.

I have a '48 chevy truck with a 1954 235 in it.
Last few digits/letters on the blocks serial # is
"F54Z"

The push rod cover stops below the head, there is no small metal access plate below the exhaust manifold on the driver side, the valve cover has the two crown nuts on top. Everything here besides the valve cover nut location tells me it's a high pressure.

On the passenger side head is "17B 887", the head has 3 series of numbers stamped "3701887 GM 9" & "D213"& CON12 on top.

I can't get to the block number behind the starter yet but everything tells me this is a early 235 low pressure.
Am I correct in believing this?

Thanks for your help.
Jeff in Iowa

There was a good link but I can not find it now.

If it's '54 they only made full pressure. From you description you have a full pressure oiler.

The date code on the head looks like 1953 which explains the two nuts holding the rocker cover on. In 54 they went to four screws holding the cover down.

All 1954 235's are full pressure.
The casting number on a 1954 is ahead of the fuel pump, just above the pan rail.

Here are casting code locations.

Post your codes for the following:

- block casting code
- head casting code
- block casting date
- head casting date
- Engine Serial Number

You might likely have a high pressure 1954 block with a 1953 head. 1953 was the transition year between low-pressure and high-pressure 235 engines. The same 1953 235 head could be used on high/low-pressure 1953 235 engines and on high pressure 1954 (and later) 235 engines.

32vld, check you PM's(private messages)

JiMerit, Pre 68, Tclederman

Thanks for the useful information and the hope that I could possibly have an early "high pressure" 235.

I'll scrap off and look for those codes/dates and numbers later today and get the information back to you for confirmation.

Jeff in Iowa

Finally found all the #'s I think after a bit of scraping & a wire brush.

Engine Block casting # is 3835911
Block Date Casting Code - CON4 J263
Engine Serial # 0480771F54Z
Head Casting Code 370887 (Con 12) & (D213) are also stamped on the head.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July and many thanks for all your help
Jeff
Iowa

Engine Block casting # is 3835911 = 1953-55 235
Block Date Casting Code - J263 = 10/23/1953
CON4 = Conveyor #4
Engine Serial # 0480771F54Z = 1954 235 car engine from Flint, MI
Head Casting Code 370887
(Con 12) = Conveyor #12
(D213) = April 21 1953

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/5409.htm
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/54057.htm

Tim

Thanks for all the information.
I also found out that block (3835911) was also used in early corvette's.

Regards
Jeff

Jeff,

That would be the 1953 235 in my first line, above.

Let us know when you get it running.

Good luck,