So I was decoding all the numbers on the '51 today. I picked up a rochester b carb yesterday that needs a full rebuild. I need a new jet but in order to get the correct size, I need to know if my car was an early or late model (it was made in June so which would that be?)...nevermind, my rain deflectors are riveted to the body and my hood ornament doesnt have the 4 lines in the nose so it's a late model . Anyway, I got going and started decoding everything but when I got to the engine # I got stuck. There's no match on the old car manual project site, Patrick's catalog or anywhere else that's come up under google. The code is JAD 745539. There's a jda code for a '51 235 but mine is jad. Any of you knowledgeable folks know something that I can't find?
is there a casting date on the engine block, near the starter, possibly partly hidden by the starter? that would tell you for sure what year it is. There should be a casting number in that area, also. Does the side cover extend all the way up to the valve cover, so it covers the side of the head? or does it only cover the side of the block? if it goes all the way up, then it's a 216. If it only covers the block, then it's a 235. Pictures help, too
I think it's more like 55-up had perimeter bolts, 54 and earlier had center bolts. or something like that. I know the 53 235 has center bolts
It's a powerglide car so it should be a 235 but you know how people are when they're trying to sell things...it could have a different motor in it. The side cover only covers the lifters, not the plugs. It does have the center bolt valve cover but the early 235s had the same. I didn't see a number behind the starter, just the one near the distributor. I thought that was it so I stopped looking. I never did see the number on my '54s motor (even though I had the starter off). It does have the triangular cover on the driver side so I'm pretty sure it's the original motor but I just think it's strange that the numbers don't match up with anything
The '54s had perimeter bolts (at least mine did) but you're correct about the '53s having center bolts.
this is where you should find the casting numbers http://www.langdonsstovebolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/235_261_50_TO_54_CASTING_NUMBER_PIC.jpg
The number by the starter is stamped correct? That should give you most of the basic information about the car****embly plant etc. There should be some numbers cast into the block they will be raised.
I guess they could've stamped it wrong. I'll try and see if i can find the numbers behind the starter in a bit. I guess as long as it is a 235 it doesn't matter. I know it's a dipper motor which kinda*****s but it runs great. I've only had it up to 50 or so cause I keep hearing horror stories of the motors coming apart above that speed. I guess it would have to do more with rpm but I don't have my tach hooked up yet
I looked, scraped, wiped, looked, scraped, wiped and looked again and I can't see a single number anywhere near the starter. I guess I need to pull it off to see behind it
I did a search over on the Stovebolt site and someone else had asked this question over there. They said that the JAD engine code is for a 1951, 235 ci Powerglide equipped car (RPO 317), so it sure looks like you've still got the original motor there.
ah...now I see. From the GM "information package" online, this is a couple excerpts from it, that explain what's going on.
Ah thank you very much guys. I thought it may be but it's always good to know for sure. I've heard that the 235s in '51 had insert bearings even though they were dipper motors. Can anyone confirm that or is it a mistake?
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