QuestionQUESTION: Hi Brad, I was "told" by the seller the V-8 engine is a 283 and the Auto tranny is a powerglide (but I would like to locate the numbers on each so I know what I have to work with. Once I have these #'s is there a website (or whatever)I can go to with these numbers and be sure of what I have under the hood?
Very Much Appreciated,
Don
(Novice Restorer) Age 62
ANSWER: Well if it has a 283 engine it is very rare indeed as all 55 and 56 Chevy V-8's were 265 cubic inch displacement. The engine identification code is stamper on a pad at the right front end or the block right below the cylinder head. There should be a number followed by F55FB if it is a 55 engine. Now if it is not get back to me with the numbers and letters and I can look it up for you to see what engine is in the car. Then we will work pout the transmission. The original transmission was a two speed with just drive and low ranges. Let me know.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Brad, Thanks for you quick response. The casting number I got from the engine is: GM 3849852 with the heads reading 188431. My VIN is VB55L 083872.
The transmission number (near the tranny dip stick) is GM 0709096. The tranny number at the "end" (where drive shaft fits) is GM 3708341 (the first "3" in this number may be an 8 (It was hard to read).
The 3rd member number is 3707806 (the "8" may be a 3. Is it possibly to tell what gear ratio I have in the rear end by the I.D. number?
I really appreciate all your help.
Don
ANSWER: The number on the engine that we are looking for is not a casting number but a number stamped on a machined pad on the right front of the block right under the dividing line of the cylinder head. You need to read it from the front of the engine. The VIN VB55L is indeed a 1955 Chevrolet.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: OK Brad. Got it. Just to confirm when U say "right front" of the block, is that determined as if I am sitting in the drivers seat? (meaning my right hand side) OR is it when I am looking at the engine from under the hood (facing the front windshield)? I know that may be a real stupid question but I want to be sure.
Also, the engine is installed in my 55 so should it be visible once I scrape the paint off that pad?
Appreciate your time.
Don
AnswerThe drivers side is the left side of the car, that is except in England. And the curb side or passengers side is the right side. And yep get the paint off and you should see the stamping. The pad itself is easy to spot as it is machined nice and smooth.
