Hey folks, a question please. First, I’ve read hundreds of Post and google searches until I can’t see straight anymore. My ’50 Chevy 3100 (216) needs a rebuild (0 compression in all but one cyl). I also acquired a ’53 235 with a casting date of G 20 3 (Jul 20, 1953) which is not yet in my possession, so I don’t yet know the casting number. It currently has a stick tranny, but I don’t know if that’s original. Also, it’s not in a vehicle, so that’s no help yet either.
Since this date is near the introduction of the Full Pressure oil system and Insert Bearings, is it possible to determine (aside from pulling the oil pan), if this is a splash oiling and/or Babbitted eng? This eng has the smaller passenger side plate and (4) valve cover screws. It does NOT have the small Kidney shaped cover on drivers side. I should have the casting number shortly, but I suspect that still won’t answer my question. Sure would appreciate some input, thanks, Jim
It looks like you are describing a high-pressure block, standard production engine-design from 1954 onwards.
There were some high-pressure 1953 235s in a few 1953 vehicles (one example: the Corvette 235 with mechanical lifters and w/Powerglide transmission). The head and block casting codes, head and block date casting codes, and the Engine Serial Number should provide the most conclusive answers.
No kidney been shaped oil distributor means it is a full pressure 235. That engine, and only the full pressure engine in 1953, will also have Captain bars above the starter.
An update with Numbers, (I’m beginning to breathe again)
Casting date G 20 3 (Jul 20 1953) Casting # 3701481 (’53 or ’53-’54) * ( see below) depending on which chart we go with. Casting # on this eng is located between fuel pump & front of block. (1954 only?) Cylinder head casting # 3836848 (1956) Stamped serial # LAS394655 3 lumps cast iron between spark plugs, this eng has them. (53-63) 3 holes both sides of block, (drilled), this eng has them. (52-54) Capt Bars are above the starter. NO kidney bean shaped plate on drivers side. Short passenger side plate. 4 screws valve cover. Crank DOES turn.
*(Two) popular websites with “Eng Casting numbers & ID” charts show slightly different years for my Casting #,
one shows ‘’54” and the other shows “53-54”. Casting date was mid ’53 (G 20 3), I’m guessing it’s possible this engine could have actually gone into a ’54..….
Three questions please, 1) any way to research that?? 2) what do you believe I have? casting date says 53 casting # location says 54 3) could someone help me decode the stamped serial # LAS394655 or steer me in the right direction to find it, I must be missing something because I can’t find anything remotely close.
I’m new at this, so there’s a high probability ...I don’t what I’m talking about.
L 1953 A 2100-2400 pass car (210-Belair) 235 w/PowerGlide & Power steering S Tonawanda
Correct??
Sorry for any confusion, I had another Post just before Posting this, and it's being held up for approval and apparently this Post went through first...oh well
Hey Tim, thanks for your interest. I went out today to get numbers & photos of the (new to me) engine I bought last week but haven't yet picked-up. I was having difficulty decoding the letters in the serial # LAS394655 Hopefully, that Post will come along shortly, sorry the two are out of order.
I guess I "hit" the magic of number of 5 posts (to be cut loose). I see you're a "new guy" too....26k and counting :-)
Tim, here's the Post that was out of sequence, as you can see, I figured out #3
An update with Numbers, (I’m beginning to breathe again) Casting date G 20 3 (Jul 20 1953) Casting # 3701481 (’53 or ’53-’54) * ( see below) depending on which chart we go with. Casting # on this eng is located between fuel pump & front of block. (1954 only?) Cylinder head casting # 3836848 (1956) Stamped serial # LAS394655 3 lumps cast iron between spark plugs, this eng has them. (53-63) 3 holes both sides of block, (drilled), this eng has them. (52-54) Capt Bars are above the starter. NO kidney bean shaped plate on drivers side. Short passenger side plate. 4 screws valve cover. Crank DOES turn.
*(Two) popular websites with “Eng Casting numbers & ID” charts show slightly different years for my Casting #, one shows ‘’54” and the other shows “53-54”. Casting date was mid ’53 (G 20 3), I’m guessing it’s possible this engine could have actually gone into a ’54..….
Three questions please, 1) any way to research that?? 2) what do you believe I have? Casting date says 53 Casting # location says 54 3) could someone help me decode the stamped serial # LAS394655 or steer me in the right direction to find it, I must be missing something because I can’t find anything remotely close. I’m new at this, so there’s a high probability I don’t what I’m talking about.
