Hey everybody! I have got an early SBC here and I am wondering what it really is. Maybe some of you casting number gurus can help me out, would really appreciate it! The front casting on the block near the passenger side cylinder head says: 0386383 F55DA On the driver side rear of the block it has 3GM3703524. So it is obviously a 55 265cui without oil filter, but what else do these numbers tell? Can you find out in which model car it came from the factory? Thanks! Florian
Thanks for the fast and informative reply, hotroddon! How can I find out if it was a Corvette engine? How did the Corvette engines differ from the passenger engines in 55?
DA is an engine from a 3/4 ton truck. That info is from a document here http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits.html
Like Jim says, the DA suffix code indicates a truck engine with a 4bbl carb BUT it could be a 55 or 56 according to the book. As I remember however, only 55 blocks had no oil filter provision. Also, I think a 55 block was supposed to have a ridge along the outside edge of the deck....where the head meets the cylinder case.
Do the 265's with no oil filter have any value to restorers? I've got one I pulled out of a 55 4 dr around 67 or 68, and its been sitting in my dad's basement ever since. Was there a while back and thinking I need to get that and some other stuff cleaned out of there. Didn't figure anyone other than a restorer would want one though.
Interesting, the other info came from here http://outintheshop.com/faq/casting/castings2.html The one you listed, which is from GM, so probably more trust worth certainly says Flint plant, 1955. 3400. 3500, 3700 Forward Control Chassis (Like a Step Van) RPO 408 (408 was V8 option) with RPO 321 (321 was auto trans)
I didn't think they put the V8 in the step vans that year? I have a 55 2nd series step van, I should pay more attention. Oh...the 56 booklet lists the V8 as available in FC chassis.
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