Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Casting # vs ID # ??

I , like KJY63Nova , joined this form because of a question about casting numbers .

I have been buying 47 -54 Chevy trucks for the last year or so , all of them 1 ton and above with 216 or 235 engines .

I have been trying to identify these engines with the number found on the block behind the distributor , the information I have found reference to these numbers I have yet to find what they mean . All sources then refer me to the casting numbers which leaves me with several questions .

Where can I find the meaning of the numbers behind the distributor ?

How can it be determined if that number is original to the vehicle ?

Where do I find the casting numbers on these engines ?

I believe I have some early 235 babbit engines would the number tell me this ? If so which number?

For example my latest engine number is OI20236T55X [ VIN number 14VWF 3106 ] [ Is this a 1955 engine ?]

Thanks in advance
Dan

The Old Car Manual Project can be a great source of info including various casting/part numbers. Check it out.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/

Here is a photo of a typical pre-1955 Chevy block with its engine numbers. .

I did not see the X suffix from your serial number on your 1955 engine from Tonawanda in the engine ID link in the link above. There was a Z and Y. Gearhead seems to have a better source.

If I remember correctly, before 1955 the engine number was the serial number.

WillWillis

Hollander interchange manual is what I use. 23rd edition. The code letters tell you year, application, engine size, and transmission type. The rest of the number would be the serial number and should match the title. Hollander and my Standard Catalog of American Light Duty Trucks also has I.D. info and serial number data as well as vehicle weights.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1946-1956...lsQ5fLiterature

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Standard-...lsQ5fLiterature