VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 casting numbers

I know this has been talked about before ! I have a quantity of engines and drive line parts. Where can I look for info telling me size and year and where built ? Using the casting & stamped numbers. Thanks.

Try this website;

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/models/engine.htm

Thanks, I'll take a look.

The list looks very helpfull but didn't find mine ! I know it's a 235 , Stamped # FO524A , cast # near starter CON4 E231 , cast # below dis. E231. Thanks for any help.

Block casting number should be located between distributer and draft tube, but a little lower on the block. None of those numbers look like casting numbers. This site may be of help also
http://www.inliners.org/becks/BCN2.html

Here is another extensive list of casting numbers
http://1954advance-design.com/Stovebolt-engine/casting-numbers.html

E 23 1 is a casting date. E being the 5th letter stands for 5th month, May.
23 = 23rd of May.
1 is the last digit of the year it was cast. i.e. 1951 if it an early splash oiled, babbitt rod 235 or 1961 if it is a full pressure 235.

I hope this is helpful.

Mike

Thanks again ! I'll Look for more #s. What do the stamped numbers mean behind the dist ? Also it has a valve cover with a fill opening at dead center . I have never seen this !

Stamped numbers on the pad by the distributor are the engine serial number. It contains information such as what plant the engine was made at, what year it was made, and vehicle designation on pre 53 engines.54 to 57 letter was the plant designation number was the year, last letter was type (whatever that means) Does your engine have two bolts holding the rocker cover on or four bolts

4 bolts, I know its a 235. From other info here year is may of 51. Inserts or babbit ? It's just a spare engine . Thanks.

Could it be a 1961 engine since the valve cover has four bolts and a center hole.
E = May
23 = 23rd day
1 = 1961

Head date casting code under the valve cover may give some insite.

GM Resto Kits are not available for 1961, but the serial number (FO524A) kinda looks similar to a '59.

> 6-cyl photos and location of engine numbers See pic of valve cover w/center hole.

Photos of number locations in 1954 Truck Shop Manual
> Dist, Gen, Start, Veh, Eng, Batt
> Rear, Trans, Rad

I feel that the best info is in the GM Resto Kits. Serial numbers for each year. Choose year. Choose car or truck. Choose "Serial Numbers"
> Resto Kit Year Index

- Lonnie