The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop need help identifying motor

I just bought a 51 3100 5 window Pick up, 4 speed. I decoded the Vin with no problem. Now I am having a problem with the serial # on the motor. On the head I have the number 3836848 with GM 12 underneath and then on the blue plate next to the oil dipstick near the Distributer I have the numbers B57 F 199597. these numbers dont match up with anything I can find on line. The B57 may actually be B557 but it the 5's are awful close together and looks like a double stamp.

My best guess is a 235 powerglide made in 57 in flint. How close am I? :confused:

Well Purney, I'm with you, I think it is a '57 powerglide 235 and as such would have hydraulic lifters. The head decodes (on the Inliners site) to a '56 but I think these heads were used on later years too. You've got the right engine in your '51 in my opinion. Some of the guys here like the solid lifters but I've got a '54 powerglide motor in my '53 and I like that it's quiet - got more power too.

Thanks Waldo! What really is throwing me for a loop is the serial tag. Not sure if its B557 or B57 and the 5 is a mis stamp. I will have to get my head down in there and check out the casting number on the block.