The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine Casting Number

I'm trying to figure out what type of engine I have. I've tried every list of engine casting numbers I can find (starting with Inliners), but I can't find this one. The number cast on the cylinder head (above the 2 / 3 cylinder exhaust port) is 3835918. The closest thing that I can find is 3835917 which is for a 54-55 235. By the way its a '53 3100.

Is there any way to tie an engine serial number to a vin number? Or is it possible to identify the engine by the serial number? The number stamped on the flange by the distributor is 0507735 F54XA.

I'd say those numbers look like 54 235, specially the "F54XA", which I'm sure someone here can translate - what it's in 50 years later doesn't say much about what it is - depending on where the truck was first sold, the VIN on the title may be the engine number rather than the body serial# on the door pillar tag

Bill

Thanks for the reply. I mainly wanted to translate the engine serial number to the VIN out of curiosity. I also thought that might help nail down the year of the engine.

I didn't realize it before, but you're right. That "54" in the middle of "F54XA" does stand out. Maybe that's why I've been having trouble getting parts for a '53 engine to fit just right.

The truck was originally sold in Mississippi or Alabama (I forget which now, but I think it was Mississippi). Fortunately, it was titled under the VIN so I don't have to worry about the different engine number.

F = Flint Engine Plant
54 = 1954
X = Thriftmaster "235"
A = used in 3600 series

0507735 = engine sequence number (started at 0001001)

53,
My 1953 was bought with a 1939 216 ci engine in it. Cant believe that it still ran. I have a 1954 235 ready to put in her as soon as the time presents itself. 1953 was the last year Chev used the 216 Babbit Bearing engine in the pickups. 1954 started with the 235.