Well, it's running and it's been moved it out of the barn as per request. I've installed a number of new parts including a tank but ID of the engine still eludes me, I hope you can help. The truck is titled by the door post number but the number behind the distributor doesn't mach any reference I can find. Poorly stamped at the beginning 006101F54Y (the 6 may be a 5 or other) and with raised numbers reading CON 4 1133. Oddly the block is painted orange while the head is black. The head looks period with the valve cover held by two nuts. It is marked 370 1887 GM-4 CON 12. The engine pegs the 30 lb pressure gauge and I suspect it's a newer 235 block with an older and perhaps original head. Can someone confirm this? Thanks Jeff
F54Y indicates: F = Flint, Michigan engine plant 54 = 1954 Y = RPO (regular Production Option) 313 = ???
In 1953, the valve cover would be attached with 2 nut on the top of the valve cover In 1954, the valve cover would be attached with with four screws on the lower edge/lip of the valve cover.
Find and post the the following codes Head casting code Head date casting code Block casting code Block date casting code
Thanks so much tclederman. The head casting number 3701887 appears to have been used on the low pressure 216 in 1953. I believe I've read that a 216 head can be used on a 235 and I suspect this is the case. It will take a couple days but l will post the remaining numbers requested to help further clarify what l have. Thanks again!
216 heads have 15 head bolts. Pre-1954 235 heads have 15 head bolts. I think the heads are interchangeable (Would someone please post a correction, if I am wrong?)
Jeff, head casting # 3701887 is an 18-bolt 235 head, not a 216 head. It is interchangeable to the '54 and later 235 heads, so compatible with your F54Y engine/block.
By coincidence, I have a '53 235 in my shop at the moment that I picked up as a rebuildable core - engine number prefix LAQ - from a Powerglide car (which was the first of the "full pressure" 235s, with insert rod bearings, as used in the '54 and later 235s). And it has the 3701887 head, original to the '53 "full pressure" engine.
A few photos of the numbers, just FYI. First shows the head casting # 3701887. Second photo shows the head casting date code (valve cover removed to see it) - very late '52 casting for the '53 model year. Third photo shows the block casting # 3701481, and the fourth the block casting date code - again very late '52. Last photo is just an overall of the engine as it was pulled from the '53 Bel Air (the Powerglide transmission and torque tube rear axle assembly from the same car are in the background).
Thanks to all who responded. For my purposes I could not be more pleased. The 53 head gives that archaic appearance and bearing inserts make rebuilding easier l would think. Hydraulic lifters would help explain why it runs so quiet.
