53 chevy engine question: What is it?

I have been thinking about rebuilding the engine that is in my four-door 53 bel-air, but i'm not sure if it's a 216 or a 235. It's the original engine. How can I tell?

 

Does the car have a Powerglide trans or 3 speed on the column?

 

3-speed.

 

If the side cover of the motor comes up to the valve cover its a 216,if it has a short side cover its a 235 but still could be a splash oiler. Another way to tell is if it has a manual trans its a 216 and if it has a powerglide its a 235 but it would have to be totally original as they could of had changes by previous owners so go with the first suggestion. If it does have a 235 a quick way to tell if its a splash oiler is it will have a small plate on the drivers side of the motor about in the middle of the block close to the oil pan and if it does not its a full pressure motor and could be a very late 53 which I heard could of gotten a full pressure motor as they all got them in 54.

 

Post a pic of the p***enger side.

 

All 1953 p***enger car engines(unless the dealer placed a special fleet car order) were 235s. The standard shift cars had cast iron pistons and babbit rods, while the PG engines had aluminum pistons, insert rod bearings, and a fully pressurized oiling system.

 

Heathen is right, blue flame or thrift king, they were both 235s.

Go here to find out, http://www.53cl***icchevy.com/engines.html

also the 1953 manual that lists the c.i.d for both motors, 115hp and 108hp, only 235.5 is listed. Both trasmissions, conventional(108hp) and powerglide(115hp) are listed as using the 235.5 cid motor.

http://www.1953chevrolet.com/PDF/1953_Chevrolet_Manual.pdf

 

Thanks Guys,
Here's someshots of the engine anyway.
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/ind...ndID=8675721&albumID=2963957&imageID=69558477
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/ind...ndID=8675721&albumID=2963957&imageID=69558442

 

If your engine is in fact the original engine, it is a 235. They all were 235's in 1953 and 1954. Since your car has a manual 3 speed transmission, it has solid valve lifter. The Powerglide combo came with hydraulic lifters, for 1953.

-Jeff

 

Trucks and sedan deliveries could still be had with the 216 in '53.

Post the stamped number behind the dizzy and I can tell you what it is.

 

If the 235 was only motor available in the cars in 53 was it still a splash oiler or a full pressure motor.

 

its a 235,, the side cover on a 216 goes all the way up to the valve cover , and the spark pluge actually go through the side cover ,,,,,,,,,,,

 

If thats the case then the 53 was the first year for a full pressure 235 and in 54 they all got the full pressure 235s,I always thought 54 was the first year for the full pressure and would of liked to have known that when looking for a 235 for my 37 p/u years ago.