VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1930 engine / 1931 Landau Phaeton

I currently have a 1930 engine (serial # 885601) listed in the G&D and was contacted by someone who has a 1931 Landau Phaeton and wants to put the engine in it. I had a 1931 Special Sedan that needed its engine overhauled, so I bought this engine being told it was a 1931, and was going to put it in my 1931 while working on the original engine. It would not fit because of differences in the bell housings. I will not sell and ship the engine (SC to Calif) until I am satisfied the engine will fit without major modifications. I have emailed detailed pictures of the engine and bell housing along with bolt hole measurements. What can I do to help the individual verify whether or not the engine will fit so he can satisfy my concerns and conscience. I would not want (as has intentionally happened to me) to sell someone something of this nature that will not work out for them.

Welcome to Chevy Chatter! Glad to have you with us.

The engine that you have is a 1930 and the potential buyer of the engine is going to have the same issues with installing it in his 1931 as you encountered. A 1930 engine can be installed in a 1931 but it will require modifications.

Also, I'd recommend that you post the rest of the casting info that is on the passenger side of the engine. In particular the casting info.

Here's a photo to show you what it looks like:
http://1931chevrolet.com/images/tags/engine%20numbers.jpg

-Bill

Thanks for the info. I am going to blame it on the fact that someone else read the numbers for me. The numbers are actually 835501 with no 6 as you mentioned. Below the number is stamped H70, and below that is a bowtie and 17 beside it. I just spoke with the individual and he stated that their engine has the same casting number, and the measurements match. He also said his research indicates my engine was built in Dec 29 and his in Feb 1930, so they are comfortable they will swap out. Now I am even more confused. I wonder if their engine is a replacement engine with modifications, or the vehicle is actually a 1930? I will get back in touch with him and try to figure this out. Once again, thank you for your input.

I just learned the car is a right hand drive Australian vehicle. Could this explain a 1930 engine in a 1931 vehicle? Also, my engine was Jan 29 and his May 29 manufacturing. My serial number is 2043531, but I don't know his. Is all of this reasonable, and if not, please explain.

The casting date of H70 indicates that the engine was cast on August 7th of 1930.

The 1929 and 1930 engine blocks had a casting number of 835501. The 1931 engine block had a casting number of 836409.



No.

If the engine came from a right hand drive car from Australia the engine number stamped in to the flat machined section on the right above the casting number should start with the letter R for rhd export.

I have a 1931 Coach with a 1930 Engine, 1930 Bell Housing, 1930 Transmission and 1930 Brake/Clutch pedals (pedal adjustment mechanism changed between '30 and '31). All of these when combined work just fine in a '31 car, and mate up to torque tube fine. However, as indicated above if swapping a '30 block in a '31, you need to mate it to '30 transmission and '30 bell and '30 pedals. Everything else is fine, mounting points are OK, all accessories are OK. There are some subtle differences between '30 and '31 power units, such as air cleaner, crankcase vent, etc, but nothing to prevent a swap. My car also has a '29 head, which works just fine on a '30 block. So my advice, tell the buyer he needs to mate it to a '30 transmission and let him decide.

Wouldn't it just be easier to go with a 1931 engine block and avoid all of the above?

Thank you all for the informative responses. I am not a mechanic so cannot give the best advise. All I can do is provide the information I have and let them decide a course of action. I have advised them to contact Skip Geear, but have not heard anything as of now. I am forwarding the comments you have given. I will not starve if I do not sell the engine, and do not want to sell someone a package full of headaches. It's their decision. Again, I thank everyone for the input.

i'm not trying to butt in here, but I have a 31 836409 engine that looks very good. no ridge in the cylinders the pistons fit tight in the bore and bores look real good. this was a running engine when I got it, though it does have a slight rod knock. I removed the head an took it to a machine shop to have it checked and they said it had a crack, but would be reparable. I would let this go cheep and I can also help with the freight. I can get a big discount through were I work.
Jay D.

my wife bought me a 31 pickup for Christmas and the motor needs overhauled/rebuilding. Can anyone recommend a shop? i live in the Denver area, but I'm not opposed to shipping it to a qualified shop

There was (maybe still is) an antique engine builder in Denver area. They were mostly Model T and Model A but occasionally did a Chevy. Might ask a few old car folks or google to find them.