Hi all, I apologize in advance for this very basic question. I recently purchased a 51 Bel Air with a 3-spd transmission. I was told it has a 235 engine but I believe the 216 was still the standard engine in 51. The serial number stamped next to the distributor is JADII65920. Is there a difference in appearance between the two engines?

Thanks, Don

Don,

It appears both the 216 and 235 were available in 1951, with the 235 being supplied to cars with automatic transmissions. I checked Keith Hardy's Old Car Manual Project for the engine serial number, but no info was available for engines beginning with JAD.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/

If you have the block casting number, this site may help.

http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/chevytalk/GMhistory/cast.html

J = 1951 engine
A = passenger car engine
D = 235 Power Glide engine built in Flint.

If it was a stick when it left the factory it would have a 216 engine.

The 216 push rod cover ectends up to the rocker arm cover.

The P.G 235 engine has the low push rod cover that is only 5 1/2" high end extends only to the top of the block (below the head)

Thanks for the information. It's definitely a 235.

Regards, Don