Early 265 Chevy V8's...

what can someone tell me about these? I got an original 265 SBC in my 55 WAgon. Solid lifter motor w/ 4bbl carb.

It has a "t*******" sound during RPM's so Im thinking it may be a loose flywheel, but not sure.

Where is a good source for parts for these?

Thanks!

Im not a Chevy guy, this is my first. Im all Ford

 

Throw it away.

In 1955 a 265 with a 4bbl AND solid lifter cam was reserved for Corvettes. SHOULD this be an original deal, I'll throw the specs at ya.

The 265 4bbl with SOLID lifter cam was 195 ponies @ 5grand rpm

260 flbs torque @ 3 grand rpm

8.0psi compression

Oh and it was RESERVED for the Corvette.

Ya know, numbers would be fantastic.

Try any local Carquest for parts for it.......Danchuk for body pieces!

 

In a real good way...Im highly impressed. No Carquest down here though. Same as Autozone, Kragen or maybe Star Auto parts?

I did not know that. So this is a good motor then? or ****? All I know its making a weird noise...when I rev the RPMs up...like a t******* in the rear of the engine. It could be either the flywheel is loose or a bad thrust bearing.

Lets hope for the loose flywheel.

I took the longroof for a spin tonight...runs good except the slight t******* noise....

 

how early? the harmonic balancer is press fit only, could have oiling problems, could just be old. trade ya for a nice .030 350 short block. you need more cubes anyway.

 

I prefer Carquest because they carry the older **** and higher quality product then Kragen's or those other places. Look around and come prepared with part numbers!

53.....NO he won't be trading you!

Norm, if that motor is a stock 4bbl with solid cam....then it's a CORVETTE motor and not real easy to get ahold of!

 

This motor was rebuilt years ago and sat for a short while.

Corvette...no ****. Wow I guess No wonder my buddy wanted to get the motor back If I was considering a 350 swap.

As for the harmonic balancer, press fit..what is that (duh?) does that mean you only press it on the crank shaft?

I have been doing a search on Ebay for parts...and yep its a Corvette motor.

I wonder how it ended up in this longroof

 

Wow Corvette! Ya know they only made 700 Corvettes in 55........and some of those were 6cyl cars. You do the math.

 

could be wore out, slipping.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102310
i'm just spit balling ideas. most likely flywheel/ tc bolts backing out.

 

cool beans!

it's the no oil filter motor, with the FG stamp on the front? or maybe the GD, GE, or GL p***enger car version? or something else?

 

"it's the no oil filter motor, with the FG stamp on the front? or maybe the GD, GE, or GL p***enger car version? or something else?"

I will check the numbers...but this is all greek to me sorry

The motor is attached to a 3 speed right now too.

 

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1955 Corvette[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Ford Motor Company showed the Thunderbird two-seat convertible in Detroit in 1954. The Thunderbird is a major part of GM's decision to continue production of the Corvette after the disappointing 1954 sales year. Although sales climbed to 3640 units in 1954, 10,000 units were expected, and sales fell off dramatically in 1955 to just 700 in 1955 setting off rumors that Corvette might be a short-lived automotive experiment. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]But Zora Arkus-Duntov had different ideas. Zora Arkus-Duntov, an engineer on the Corvette team since 1953 and a former European road racer, set out to give Corvette the two things it needed most, better performance and better handling. In July of 1952 Chevrolet chief engineer Ed Cole, and Harry Barr went to work on an all-new Chevrolet V-8, and Corvette's evolution into a true sports car began in 1955 when a 265-cu.-in. V8 that generated 195 horsepower was offered. By the end of the 1955 model year, a 3-speed manual transmission was also available. [/FONT]



[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wheelbase: 102"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Track: 57" Front / 58.8" Rear[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Height: 51.5" Over Windshield[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Length: 167.3"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Width: 69.8"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Curb Weight: 2,805 lbs. (V-8)[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tire Size: 6.70x15"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fuel Tank: 17.25 gal.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Plant: St. Louis, MO[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Serial Numbers: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]VE55S001001 through VE55S001700
"V" is omitted on Six Cylinder Models [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Corvette Options in 1955[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Code [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Description[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Quan***y[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]MSRP[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2934-6[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Base Corvette Convertible, Six Cylinder[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unknown[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]$2,774.00[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2934-8[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Base Corvette Convertible, V8[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unknown[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2,909.00[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]100[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Directional Signals[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]700[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]16.75[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]101[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Heater[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]700[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]91.40[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]102[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]AM Radio[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]700[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]145.15[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]290B[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Whitewall Tires [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unknown[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]26.90[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]313M[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Powerglide Transmission[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unknown[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]178.35[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]420A[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Parking Brake Alarm[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]700[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5.65[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]421A[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Courtesy Lights[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]700[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4.05[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]422A[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Windshield Washer[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]700[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]11.85[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,HELVETICA]Colors Available in 1955[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Exterior [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Quan***y* [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Soft Top [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wheels [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Interior [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Polo White[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]325[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]White/Beige[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Red[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Red[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pennant Blue[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]45[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Beige[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Red[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dark Beige[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Corvette Copper[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]15[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]White[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bronze[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dark Beige[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gypsy Red[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]180[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]White/Beige[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Red[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Light Beige[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Harvest Gold[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]120[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dark Green[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Yellow[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Yellow[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]*[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Estimated Quan***y[/FONT]
​

 

to translate, look for numbers/letters stamped on the top of the block, just in front of the p***enger side head. Let us know what's there. The letter codes will tell you what the original engine was, those I listed are manual trans 1955 265 engines, with 4bbl carbs. In 55 they generally put solid lifters in 2bbl manual trans 265s, and in vettes....but you never know what's happened in the 50 years since.

also the 55 was the only sbc that had no oil filter provision cast into the bottom of the block on the drivers side, instead it used a byp*** type "accessory" filter on top of the engine, plumbed in with small tubing.

 

alright, I will go check. This is pretty exciting

 

Is that similar to the Pontiac style? I HATED that ****er. Glad to be rid of it.

 

Also check the numbers behind the drivers head, hard to see but worth it.

I thought you said the guy told you it was a 57 block? I remember there were no motor mount bosses on the sides but didnt look at the oil filter area, but theres not a add on filter.

 

Tony Millers 55 engine with the factory oil fiter on top. I love this engine.

 

wow....neat engine....but that's the optional truck 2 quart filter, isn't it?

 

The tri year motors were not side mounted. They were mounted like the Pontiac's upfront.....later they added the side mounting.

 

Your right, I knew that, just didnt think to check for the oil filter on the bottom. I saw no auxilary filter on the motor, so it may have the oil filter on the block. You would think a high dollar car like a vette would have the aux filter standard.

 

I believe you are correct again! I always thought it was cool the way the mount for it was sandwiched under the thermostat housing.

 

I cant wait for the numbers off this block....................it would be killer if it really is a Vette block!

 

It doesn't look like it holds 2 quarts to me. The "tall" you're seeing is the bracket; the actual can is pretty typical size for a p***enger car filter.

 

Well girls and boys, bad news from the chopped50ford camp. No numbers yet, about the only part of that motor we didnt see tonight. The thump was pretty good, so we pulled the valve covers thinking maybe bent pushrod or something in that vicinity, besides being way out of adjustment, they were fine. The decision was made to pull the oilpan, and what did we find? Shrapnel, bearing shavings. Started with the rods at the back, nothing. Norn says pull the thrust bearing and rear main. As it came off, I could feel chunks of bearing run down my oil soaked hand. It had takin' chunks out of the rear main bearing.

Motor is coming out tomorrow for complete rebuild. It is a 57 block we believe, has oil filter on the block. Numbers coming pending removal of motor.

Norn is goin' to be ok, I hope.

 

58 was the first year for side mounts.

 

I dunno if you know this but the cam in a 265 has to have a notch cut in the rear journal. Don't make the mistake of putting a late model styled cam in an early block. It makes metal.

 

Roothawg you beat me to it, i was thinkin' the same thing.Chevys have date codes cast in the block, heads, water pumps and intakes to tell when they are cast. May help with ID.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that a GM crate motor dressed to look like a 265? I remember a older HAMB post about dressing modern motors to look vintage, I thought that pic was posted.

 

look right behind the steering box, see that orange tube poking downward? that's a 55 only thing.....the draft tube was mostly in the block that year only.

 

It's a '55 265, .040 over, with a manifold and WCFB from a '57. Probably produces a thundering 150 HP.

 

And the oil filter location gives it away.

Maybe 180hp.