VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 1953 vs 1954 Engines

What was the difference in the engine(s) in the 1953 Chevrolet productions engines and the 54 production engines.

Questions:

a. Did both have full pressure oiling?

b. Was the oiling routing, etc the same in both year engines?

c. Was a 216 available in 1953?

d. Did the 1953 use babbit rods?

e. Did the 1953 have the oil distribution mechanism on the lower driver's side of the engine?

f. Was the 1954 engine the first Chevrolet engine to have hydrollic lifters?

g. Were the 1953 and the 1954 engines identical? If not what was the difference.

The reason for the above questions is that I saw a 1953 with three-speed transmission (no PG) and I think the engine was a 1954. Owner who had recently pruchased said car, was insistant that the engine was full insert, full pressure and hydrollic lifters, etc.

He said it was just like the 1954 engine but was indeed a 1953.

Somebody help me out here.

Thanks,

Charlie

The 1953 standard transmission passenger car engine was a 235 with dippers, iron pistons, babbited rods and the plate with three screws holding it on , on the left side. Rocker arm cover held down bu two studs and acorn nuts in the center. That was the last application of that engine.

1953 Power Glide and all 1954 engines were the modernized 235 with aluminum pistons and full pressure oiling and rod inserts. 1954 had valve cover held down with 4 screws on the side.

All 1950-1955 engines with Power Glide had hydraulic lifters and sticks had solid lifters.

1953 was the last year for a 216. It was used in the sedan delivery, 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 ton trucks.

In Canada all passenger cars has the modernized 235 engines.

I have a 1953 longblock engine freshly rebuilt in my shed. It came in a crate with the collected parts that came with my car. Even has a warranty card from 1980 lol. I'm going to have to have another look but pretty sure I checked the casting numbers and it was a 216. The serial # started with a T so had in my mind that it was a truck engine which makes sense based on Gene's applications.

Someday I'll advertise it to find someone who needs it...

The mid 1951-1952 and 1953 Canadian 216 engines had the low side cover like a US 235 engine.

Thanks.
The 1953 in question had the valve cover held down with 4 screws. Two on each side as in 1954.

It had no oiil distribution plate low down on the driver's side of theebgube

I am convinced that the 1953 engine has been changed out and a 1954 was installed.

Without getting a rubbing of the numbers on the shelf by the distriibutor, I can't tell much. I has the look of a 1954, which I think that it is.

Best,

Charlie

I agree with your thoughs

I agree also, a 54 (or later). Just look at the casting date by the starter.