VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION VCCA Judging Questions Engine numbers

Hello Judges,

I'm working on a 1945 Chevy, trying to keep it original. However, it came with a 1954 235 engine. I'm considering investing in what it came from the factory with, a 216. I'm aware that in this time period, engine and chassis numbers did not match. However, an engine number does give info about where it was built as well as the month and year.

So my question is, do Judges decipher an engine number to determine if it is likely that it was original?

Next question; would a '45 Chevy with a 216 score significantly higher than if it had a 235?

Maybe there are 4 categories; 1) Original Engine, 2) Correct engine but not original, 3) Similar Engine (216 & 235 same block), 4) Wrong engine.

If there are categories similar to this and a perfect score is 100, can you give me an idea of how much each lower category is docked?

Given my most likely scenario; I find a 216 but its number says it was built after 1945, is it worth my while to follow thru?

Thanks Much,

Jake

If you are building/restoring a vehicle for a specific purpose, the first step is to get a copy of the rules book.

The VCCA Judging Manual clearly states that an incorrect engine is a 100 point deduction. There are additional rules to help define "incorrect". And it depends upon which class you are entering.

Thanks Rusty,

You gave me exactly what I needed!! I was able to referance the Judging book about the specs as well as the Entrance form to see the entire point system. I shall proceed with my new knowledge.

Jake

Great plan!

Whenever we were setting up a car for a particular race class we always started with the rules book. That way we knew what we must do to be legal in that class as well as what we could not do. It was also important for what it did not tell us that we could not do!

1941-1948 Chevrolet passenger cars used 10mm AC spark plugs in their engines. You are best to consider one of those years. It is obvious on a 1941-1948 when it has those small 10mm diameter spark plugs in them. A 1945 date coded engine might be easier to find than hen's teeth. The VCCA does not look for date codes when we are judging. However, be advised that in 1948, Chevrolet cast a 1 1/2" circle on the passenger side of the engine block with the number 48 in the middle of the circle. So it is real obvious when a 1948 engine is in a 1945 Chevy.

When you say that you have a 1945 Chevrolet, was it manufactured for military use, or was it built early for 1946 production?

There is a 15 point deduction IF you have the correct displacement ( 216 ) but the wrong year. We judge on a 1000 point system. Definitely get a Judging Manual from your Area Director. If he doesn't have one, send me an email.

Dave

Did late production 216 engines have provision for side motor mounts? Something else to look out for (avoid).
See my ad in Parts For Sale. NOS '41/'48 cylinder head (small spark plugs)

Mike

After 1952 the new 216 short blocks sold for replacemnt for 1941 -1951 were 1952 blbocs and had the side motor mount atthing povision.

Hi Dave

Jake's truck is actually a 1945 model year truck as he stated.
It is one of over 6000 non-military 1945 model year 1/2 ton trucks built for civilian use, as verified by his serial number.
That of course makes his truck somewhat rare and unusual, and, makes finding a block with a matching casting date exponentially harder.

Just as a matter of interest...
Up here in Canada we have actually seen at least one 1943 !! non-military 1-1/2 ton truck with a proper Canadian serial number plate show up at a farm auction many years back.

I should add the 1952 an 1853 trucks equippd with a 216 engine had the side motor mount provisions even though they were not required,

I have not ben involved in VCCA juding for several years but any year 216 engine can be OK as long itt a 216,
Same with a 235, A later 235 is for ok FOR a 1950 235, say 1960 235 in a 1950 POWER GLIDE CAR.

Wholy Smokes! What an in-depth review! Thanks Guys! I was surprised by the relativly low penalty of a wrong engine. This makes the extra effort less of a shiny thing, especially with the War Time date of manufacture challenge.

Another interesting thing I have learned is, a good place to search for a 216 is with Hot Rod Flat Head Ford rebuilders. With that engine being the favorite among hot rod folk, the rebuilders sometimes end up stuck with what they pulled.

Do you guys have any other tips about finding a 216?

Jake

Check out the recent post in the ‘37-‘45 forum.

Thanks Rusty. However, 2-10 made a previous post in New Members, where he mentioned these 3 engines. This is what sparked my peruit. I started PMing him about buying the two 216s. In the mean time got some quotes on shipping from TN to Idaho; (+) or (-) 2K!! No way! Thus my interest in tips on finding 216s...locally.

But, thanks much for the heads up. This is the type of tip that may lead to me finding what I'm looking for.

Jake