55 chevy block

Hello all;
I am new to the board and hardly ever post, so I thought I would post something to get the message off telling me I haven't posted in a while.
I am on vacation in Alabama and my Grandpa has an old motor in the shed behind his house that belongs to my uncle. They said I could have the motor. Anyway, from the date casting on it and casting number (3703524 and c45) it tells me it is a 265 small block for a 1955 chevy. I haven't been able to decode the VIN number yet (OI 3014 T55F ). I am about to start a project and thought I would take the block to a machine shop just to see if it isn't too worn or rusty to get rebuilt. I have a '69 327 that I got from fellow board member (Fidgiter) so this block will just be a curiosity piece until I need it. Anyway, just thought I would share. Ya'll have a great Memorial Day tomorrow

 

Make sure it still has the oil pan with it. They can be hard to find as the only fit the '55 block.

 

'55 doesn't have a provision for an oil filter if I recall correctly. A rebuildable one would be worth a few $$ to a restorer. Don't give it away!

 

Is that because of no oil filter? And the rear main seal is a '55-'56 item only I am told.

 

T= Tonownada plant, 55=1955, F= 265 2 bbl 3-speed. The '55 265 engines are indeed unique. There is no provision in the block for an oil filter (GM corrected this for 1956) thus the oil pan is symetrical and one-year only. For 1956, the 265 had an integral oil filter provision so the pan is no longer symetrical. Also 1955-56 engines were not full-flow oiling like '57 up engines. The camshaft, cam bearings and distrbutor shaft were different than all 1957-up small blocks.The 1955-57 blocks used to be sought after, but since most 55-57 cars are being built as hot rods these days, the value of original mechanical parts is way down. It's not exactly a boat anchor, but you won't make enough when you sell it to retire.