The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 265 in a 54 3200?

I am somewhat new to the stovebolt area and just finished my first 55 chevy 2nd series....now I'm hooked. My wife saw a truck today for sale and I spoke to the owner. He said its an all original 54 5 window long bed 3/4 ton (3600) with a 265 engine. I didn't think the 265 came until 1955. Could he be mistaking his 54 for a 55? What would be the easiest way to tell the two apart? I'm assuming if it is in fact a 54 with a 265 then the engine was added later. Thanks guys.

The 265 V-8 was not available in Advance-Design Chevrolet trucks (that series ended in mid 1955).

Here are photos of 1954 and 1955-1st series Advance-Design trucks.

Here are photos of 1955-2nd series Task Force trucks.

There were no 3200 Advance-Design trucks. There were 3200 (1/2 ton long-bed) Task Force trucks.

The 265 is unique in the way that it actually fits into an AD truck. It had no side motor mounts so it front mounted and it's bellhousing had the rear motor mounts on it both of which are like the inline six but NOT interchangable. The left hand exhaust manifold has a dip in just the right place to clear the steering box and the exhaust outlet is towards the front which also clears the gearbox. When done right it does look like a factory install but no V8 was offered in the AD style truck. The 265 was offered from 55-57 in trucks but just 55 & 56 in cars. If the oil filter is in a canister mounted to the T-stat housing it's a 55.

The 265 was also offered in 57 cars but few were sold.

thanks guys. When I went out and saw the truck, it was actually a 235. Too much rust for me however.

There was nevere a 54 or 55 1st that left the factory with a 265. If you search posts from wdoftexas, I think you will find conflicting information on the fit into an AD truck. You would have to show me some pretty solid proof to make me doubt the comments he made earlier.

All the componets listed are separate parts that can be fit to any smallblock Chevy. Also, the provisions for the front mounts are present on all smallblock Chevy engines, thouhg some blocks my not have the holes tapped.