So when i picked up my 1954 3600 the owner said that the motor had been a special order, but has no additional information. Looking at casting numbers i believe its the 235. What has me confused is the LAQ serial number as from my research that was supposed to be connected to a powerglide, however its in my truck with a 4 speed manual. Its all original and never changed from what im told. Anyone have any thoughts?
3701481 = 235
H208 Freemont CA
3836848= 235
LAQ46537I
Last edited by Montana 54 Chevy; 08/30/201912:46 AM.
Not the original engine for sure. This is a full pressure 1953 engine (235) that was mated to a powerglide transmission. The cylinder head is off a later 235 blue flame engine. Correct color of a 54 truck engine is gray, The truck engine would have solid lifters the 235 with powerglide engine would be hydraulic lifters.
Last edited by sstock; 08/29/20192:28 PM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100 261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY Gallery Video of the 261 running
1964 GMC 1000 305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
The 848 head entered service for the 56 model year on the passenger car line. The earliest 848 head that I have has a casting date of September or October 55 so for the 56 production year. 54-55 you commonly saw the 5913 head. What does the valve cover look like? 54 was first year for perimeter screws for the valve cover as opposed to the earlier center studs. Those covers also had four small slots punched into them for venting, and a nonvented breather cap at the front of the valve cover. 55-58 covers used the same four screw attachment, but no venting slots and a vented cap at the front of the cover. Later covers had the cap in the center of the cover. So if you have a non vented cover, that would be consistent with the parts mismosh.
Look for captains bars on the block above the starter. You likely have a '53 Blue Flame 235 from a car which originally came with a Powerglide engine. This is a great engine for your truck. Aluminum pistons, hydraulic lifters, full pressure oil system, insert rod bearings, water pump located in the center of the radiator, and you have the highest compression head Chevrolet ever put on a 235. I have this very same setup in my '50 and it is a dream to run. This engine originally came with the early 2 acorn hold down nuts for the valve cover. Your 848 head will have the 4 holes threaded in the head for the later valve covers. Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
The 848 head entered service for the 56 model year on the passenger car line. The earliest 848 head that I have has a casting date of September or October 55 so for the 56 production year. 54-55 you commonly saw the 5913 head. What does the valve cover look like? 54 was first year for perimeter screws for the valve cover as opposed to the earlier center studs. Those covers also had four small slots punched into them for venting, and a nonvented breather cap at the front of the valve cover. 55-58 covers used the same four screw attachment, but no venting slots and a vented cap at the front of the cover. Later covers had the cap in the center of the cover. So if you have a non vented cover, that would be consistent with the parts mismosh.
Just up uploaded a pic of the valve cover. It does have the 4 vented slots and the none vented breather cap.
Like Carl said, the 53 PG engine is a good one for all the reasons he explained, the later 848 is the best head for making compression. All really good picks for a replacement engine. If the valve train is quiet with those hydraulic lifters, I wouldn't mess with it. Appears your valve cover is original and 54 valve covers were a one year only and getting hard to find. Many dont like them because it sucks unfiltered air into the crankcase. Some silicone the vent slats closed from the inside and run a open filtered oil cap, a good worthwhile modification.. This will keep the dust and dirt out of the engine. The 53 PG engine was the only 235 to have the captains bar above the starter, it will not have a set of bars on the other side of the engine like the big brother 261s had.
Last edited by sstock; 08/30/20191:32 AM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100 261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY Gallery Video of the 261 running
1964 GMC 1000 305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
Thanks everyone for all the information. The engine runs like an absolute top. Reading about, and seeing your replies on the engine specifics really brings about an all new character to it.
