The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine ID Issue

I've looked across probably 10-15 websites and every site I check doesn't seem to help me identify my engine. Maybe I'm doing something wrong so I hoped someone here might be able to give me a second opinion.

The frame is a verified 1957 Chevy Pickup by VIN. Every family member I ask assures me that the engine was never swapped.

The Casting Number is 3837004, so that suggests it's a 235 engine made in 1955-1957. Here's a picture of that: http://i.imgur.com/sgKLp.jpg

However, the Block ID number is F430H, which I can't seem to make sense of. Here's a picture to verify: http://i.imgur.com/G50O2.jpg

To me, that number just doesn't make sense on a 235 from 1955-1957 because neither 4,3, or 43 fall in the range of 55-57. Not to mention the engine seems to be a late model 235 that has the four screw valve cover, and the short side cover below the spark plugs.

Anybody got a clue or am I just missing something fairly obvious?

Found it in one of the books I always carry with me... "Chevy Inline 6 engines" 1929-1989.

Based on the numbers...It says the 3837004 is '55-57 235... The "H" in the block number also verifies its a 1957 chevy 235 truck motor w/140hp and should have a 3sp transmission. Hope that helps some

Thanks,
-Paul

As Paul posted above, the 1957 engine serial number code is on the second page.

Oh, wow, that page helps a lot! Thanks! The only book I have is a reprint and doesn't seem to have anything on engine identification or maybe that's a separate book I'm missing. Thanks for finally solving that mystery for me.

So according to that, it was made in Flint, on April 30th, 1957 of the H 3100 regular production. Very cool!

Here is the whole 1957 Chevrolet Truck Specifications Manual from the GM Heritage Center.