The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 or 235?

I just bought a 1950 3100 deluxe. I am trying to determine the engine. It has the 4 speed on the floor and I read if it came from the factory with this config. the engine was a 235. So the numbers(which I think is the block number) located in front of the starter is -CON 3 L40? Does this make sense to anyone? Am I looking in the right place? This doesn't match any block numbers on inliners.com. Any help would be much appreciated.

Look at the flat area on the block just above the oil dip stick tube for the #'s.

The number above the dip stick is JEA105071. This number is also reffered to on the registration as the vin#. I can't find this numb er on inliners.com either? Any Help.

Need even more numbers. Look on the distributor side of the block, down by the pan lip and all the way forward, there covered with grease and dirt is your 'Block' number. The block number is the one listed on all the numbers lists.

Thanks for the info. I do have a 235!

I see you have found you have a 235, but I point out that it is not the original engine. You were informed wrong that the 4 speeds that year had 235s. In 1950, the only engine offered was the 216. Not unusual for the engine to be changed out, and I believe the 235 to actually be superior to the 216. Good thing the engine number matches the title VIN, otherwise you will have trouble with the DMV. The actual VIN is on the drivers door post, on a metal tag, if it is still there. Unfortunately, if missing, it is no where else on the vehicle.

The CON 3 L40 number is the casting date and would translate December 4, 1950. Patricks catalog, as well as other sources, describes the date code. The first letter represents the month: A=1=Jan, B=2=Feb, etc. to L=12=Dec. 4 is the 4th day of the month. 0 is the last year of the date: (195)0. As Brian said, you received false info about the 4-speed 235 in 1950. Big trucks, 2 tons, had 235 engines standard from 41 - 53. Optional on 1 1/2 ton. It's not unusual for an engine to be swapped. A lot can happen in 50+ years. Now, what 235 do you have. The casting date indicates 1950, which means a Hi-Torque truck motor. It will have babbited rods, unless they have been machined for insert bearings, with the splash & dip oiling system. Unless it's been retrofitted to convert it to full pressure lube by having the crankshaft drilled, etc. Get you a 1950 Shop manual. It will really help. Also call or write Chevrolet for a Restoration Pack. Last I knew they were free. The address has been posted on this forum before. Do a search for it on this site. It is full of useful facts. Good luck!

You'll need the truck VIN/ Serial number found on the metal tag on the drivers door post when you request the Resto Pack. 1950 1/2-ton vins started with a 1 or 2 digit number followed by HP then another letter followed by a 4-5 digit number. Example, 3HPD1234. It was real common back in the 50s to use the engine number for the vin when a car/truck was titled. It can be a problem sometimes now, and worse in some states. Oh, is it a 5-window?