The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Need help with Engine ID

Hello to the forum. Background: After a very long time, I am finally gaining some traction on the resto mod of my 1950 GMC 3/4 ton truck. Along the way we've gone through several iterations of engine. The truck was purchased with a stuck 216, which was pulled after some failed attempts to get it loosened up and running. After that we tried a 270, and also a 302 (also stuck) which finally prompted me to search out and install a Chevy 235 based on some success stories here and elsewhere. Interoperability with other Chevy and GMC parts was also a factor.

Seeing a 1953 235 advertised on a local online auction site, I promptly purchased it. I was also heartened by the seller's description of the engine as coming from a Corvette, with the improved lubrication system. Now that it's home others who've seen the engine say that it's NOT a 235.

So, I'm asking for assistance from you all so that we can ID and set this thing up properly. I've attached several pics of markings on the engine block and manifold. If I need to provide more info let me know. Please advise, and thanks.

Welcome to the Stovebolt

Engine serial number starting with LAQ is a 1953 235 passenger car engine with a Powerglide transmission built at the Tonawanda Engine Plant.

Mike B

I have found several 270 and 302 engines around here.

Ed

Don't scrap those GMC engines- - - -even a stuck one is worth salvaging, even if a few parts have to be sacrificed in the process.
Jerry

Chevrolet made the 235 engine way back in 1941 for military trucks.
Chevrolet began installing the 235 in cars about 1950.
The valve cover design changed in 1954.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1949_53/06engine/6_062.HTM
14 psi at 2000 RPM for all 1953 engines, except Powerglide equipped cars
45 psi for 235s in 1953 Powerglide equipped cars.

As Mike B said, engine serial number prefix LAQ is Chevrolet passenger.
A 1953 Corvette would have a LAY prefix.

You said, "The truck was purchased with a stuck 216".

A 216 is a Chevrolet engine that is in a GMC truck. How was the engine mounted? Pictures?
The reason I ask, and I don't mean to criticize, is that GMC engines are longer than Chevrolet.
The GMC front crossmember is further away by about 2 inches.
This negates the idea to use the standard truck mounting position on the front GMC crossmember for Chevrolet engines.
After 1951, Chevrolet car engines were mounted on the sides near the front.
Years later on, mounts were moved back to a mid point.
The importance is that you may need to fabricate front mounts.
Also the location of you water pump cooling fan in relation to your GMC radiator should be investigated.

Thanks for the quick replies and information. This helps a lot. My feedback:
1. 216 - I may have misstated on this, given it's been 21+ years since we brought it home. I defer to those more experienced than I am. Unfortunately, I didn't take pics or document the as is setup of the truck, and how things were installed when we took possession.
2. As work progresses, I'll take pics to document how we're doing the work. I've engaged a very experienced local mechanic and fabricator to do the lion's share of the restoration so will have more info on the mounts soon. As memory serves he'll use the front mount/crossmember and weld mounting points to the crossmember that's under the cab.
3. Same as above with the water pump. I've purchased a new 4 row radiator which should go in soon as the mech finishes up the front end.

Overall, we're learning a lot along the way. One discovery is that some parts are passenger car specific. That's added some time, cost, and complexity to the project. Also, my selection of the 1953 engine added some difficulties as a later 235 would have allowed for more "plug and play" interoperability regarding the transmission, etc. Regardless, we're making progress.

Again, I appreciate the information and will update later.

What would make a '53 passenger car engine be difficult to install in '50 truck? Mine bolted right into my '50 Chevrolet.

Per your question, we're working on a 1950 GMC 3/4 ton truck. Again, I defer to the experts but it seems the Chevrolet 235 is marginally shorter than a GMC engine. Not much, but enough to warrant the fabrication of engine mounts that will eventually support the rear of the engine.

OK, that part makes sense, but the part about the difference between early 235 vs '53 235 does not. They mount the same way.

One other point is that a '53 w/Powerglide engine is actually the first version of the more modernized 235. It is essentially the same as a '54 235.
Engines which came '55 and later would actually cause you more work, as they came with lower mounted watepumps which causes the fan to be too low on the radiator.

In my opinion it would be a lot easier to keep the rear mounts where they are and move the front mount towards the cab. Either an extension between the fan and the water pump to move the fan back towards the radiator or a fan shroud would also be best.

"I've engaged a very experienced local mechanic and fabricator to do the lion's share of the restoration".

The engine has been identified. It's in the hands of the shop mechanic job now. We are done folks unless the poster has further questions.

Thanks everyone for your insight and recommendations. I'll post more as we move forward.

just a quick question, I've read several times that Canadian GMC's used the chevy engine. What info is known on their mounting or did they just use Chevy mounts etc.

My 54 GMC has the 235 in it and uses the front motor mount should be like this one.

Do you happen to have a picture of the front crossmember of that Canada made GMC? I am guessing that since they came with a Chevrolet 235, they used the Chevrolet crossmember, or the entire frame was Chevrolet.