So my dad's got a roadster that he built during his senior year of highschool in 1959. Its a 29 body on 32 rails, its got a Corvette 265 with a 39 toploader tranny, and a staggered 4x2 intake. This thing is going to be my summer project providing I get my coupe done in time, and I want to know everything about it ahead of time....problem is, he cant remember what year motor it is. I know it is somewhere between 56 and 58 but how can I tell the years apart? jonnycola
55's had no oil filter or cannister on the block. 1955 had a casting # 3703534 1955 - 56 were # 3720991 Post the number and letters stamped on the right front pad (beside the water pump) and more information can be told. The number and letters in the red circle....... The engine in the pic is not mine..........I lifted in off the internet because it was a good photo and already had the circle. Thanks to George.........you know who you are......
cool. So when did they quit the 265... 1957? The thing has finned aluminum corvette valve covers on it... but I guess that dosent mean much. Is there anything specific about it that makes it irregular or goofy in general? Anything prone to go wrong on them?
[ QUOTE ] So when did they quit the 265... 1957? Is there anything specific about it that makes it irregular or goofy in general? Anything prone to go wrong on them? [/ QUOTE ] They made 265's in 1957 but did not install them in Corvettes. All 265 blocks have NO provisions for side motor mounts. They also have a special slot cut on the gear at the rear of the camshaft for oiling that later SBCs did not have. YOU MUST cut this slot if you change camshafts.
[ QUOTE ] The thing has finned aluminum corvette valve covers on it... but I guess that dosent mean much [/ QUOTE ] My 265 has them too , but it aint no vette motor.