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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Oct 2018 Posts: 51 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2018 Posts: 51 | Does this tell me if it's a 235 or 261? I heard it's difficult to tell them apart.
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GM 5
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | Hello, Allan, Here is a listing that shows the years for different lifters. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/57cmpc0142.htmThe major difference/change in the "848" heads was the higher compression. That head might have come out in late 1955, but is considered to have been first used in 1956 vehicles). HrL and others might comments on the cause of the higher compression - probably due to a change in the combustion chamber (and not due to the change in lifters)? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,228 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,228 | Knowing the Head casting number doesn't help ID the engine size as that head will go on both the 235 and the 261. Check the casting number on the engine found on the right (passenger) side down low towards the front. Then find the STAMPED number on the flat machined surface at the distributor. The stamped number may require scraping and a wire brush to see the numbers/letters...tell us what those numbers are. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | In order to determine if the engine came with mechanical or hydraulic lifters, you need to decode the Engine Serial Number that is pressed into the block behind the distributor (as described by Mike). That code will show if the engine was installed in a truck or in a car. All 1956 and later 235 car engines came with hydraulic lifter. All truck 235 engine came with mechanical/solid lifters. 1957 truck ESNs1957 car ESNs | | |
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