What engine might i have? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 11-26-2008, 07:09 PM

I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS LOCAL '53 LONG BED (3/4 TON?) TO BE USED AS A LAWN ORNAMENT. IT WAS CHEAP AND OFFERED SOME EXTRA PARTS AND FREE DELIVERY. IT SITS ON MY FRONT LAWN FOR NOW. MY MECHANIC FRIEND SAYS HE WANTS TO GET IT RUNNING IN THE SPRING AFTER HE FINISHES SCHOOL.

THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS NOT SURE WHAT I-6 ENGINE WAS UNDER THE HOOD. HE SAYS IT WAS REBUILT AND THEN DRIVEN LIKE 50 MILES AND THEN PARKED FOR PERHAPS 16 YEARS? HOW CAN I TELL WHICH ENGINE I HAVE? OR EVEN WHAT ENGINES WERE OFFERED? HE WAS GUESSING A 250 C.I.

I JUST BUILT A NEW BED SINCE THE OLD ONE WAS ABOUT 60% GONE. I ALSO ADDED A STAKE SIDES FOR A CLASSY EFFECT. I HOPE TO GET A AIR-BLOWN SNOWMAN FOR THE BACK FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

THANKS!

~DOC

OrrieG · 11-26-2008, 07:23 PM

Welcome to the board. Post a photo of the engine so we can see if it is original or has been replaced. I-6 is too broad a category. Post shots of both sides of the block.

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 11-26-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Welcome to the board. Post a photo of the engine so we can see if it is original or has been replaced. I-6 is too broad a category. Post shots of both sides of the block.

Great thanks! I will see if i can do that tomorrow and get those up here before the turkey takes me away!

~Doc

BigSix302 · 11-27-2008, 12:51 AM

If it is the stock/original engine in it , then it will most likely be a 228 c.i. GMC engine. There is a flat area down behind the distributor that will have a stamped number . If the number starts with a 22, then it will be a 228. Like wise a 248 will be 24, a 270 wil be 27. This only applies to the GMC engines, if it was changed to a Chevrolet engine the number sequence will be much different. A picture would really help, or several pictures will give a general description. You will then need to go to some numbers or casting marks on the block to really nail it down. Hopefully the previous owner was able to keep the GMC engine in this truck. They are very good engines!! Keep us posted and we'll see what you can come up with. RIck W.

p.s. here is a link to my GMC Burb. It has some pictures of the original 228 engine in there. It may help you some.

Swifty · 11-27-2008, 01:13 AM

truck looks good! welcome to the site!

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 11-27-2008, 04:10 PM

Thanks!

Here are the engine pictures. It has a Chevrolet valve cover, but you guys decide if it's been swapped. I would say YES!

Okay...Passenger side first:

Now, Driver side:

mr48chev · 11-27-2008, 08:57 PM

I'm going to say 235 or 261 Chev. Probably 54/57 or so as it doesn't look to have provisions for side mounts.

Interesting split manifold though.

d10s69c10 · 11-27-2008, 09:32 PM

that thing would look awesome slammed on 22's first off.

im going to assume its a 235.

beautiful poto of the truck i would frame that.

**JML55** · 11-27-2008, 10:54 PM

Looks like the 235 I have in my 55 Belair. Except the oil filter is behind the carb not in front.

50MOTORHEAD · 11-28-2008, 12:23 PM

I agree,,,that home-made ,split manifold is WAY-TOO-COOL to change.

BigSix302 · 11-28-2008, 03:32 PM

I'd say most likely a 235. I did not notice any large oil gallery access on the drivers side. Also, in picture five showing the starter, there is a flat space just aft of the distributor. It should have some numbers stamped in that flat which will be helpful in finding out more about this particular engine. A 235 will run pretty good with a little recon work and different rear end/ trans combo to make it more streetable. PLus they sound pretty cool!

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 11-28-2008, 05:36 PM

WOW! YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN A LARGE SOURCE OF INFO. THIS IS THE FIRST GMC TRUCK (OR ANY GMC PRODUCT FOR THAT MATTER) THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED...SO I'M LEARNING. I LOVE THE PRE-BOXY ERA OF PICK-UPS ANY MAKE REALLY.

SO I CLEANED OFF THE PLATE BEHIND THE DISTRIBUTOR AND HERE IS WHAT IT READS:

#0719386I55Y

BigSix302 · 11-28-2008, 06:46 PM

I went to this web site and it say you have a 1960 engine. It does not give any other specs. I suspect it may be a car engine since it did not closely match any thing I looked at. I did not do searches on car engine numbers. Still it is likely a 235 and a good engine if you want to keep it, but not correct for your GMC truck. The GMC engines are out there. You just got to beat the weeds for them. Where are you located? A group effort will turn up more engines maybe close to you if you want to locate a GMC engine.

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/vin/vinbuster.html

d10s69c10 · 11-28-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE AMERICAN GARAGE

WOW! YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN A LARGE SOURCE OF INFO. THIS IS THE FIRST GMC TRUCK (OR ANY GMC PRODUCT FOR THAT MATTER) THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED...SO I'M LEARNING. I LOVE THE PRE-BOXY ERA OF PICK-UPS ANY MAKE REALLY.

SO I CLEANED OFF THE PLATE BEHIND THE DISTRIBUTOR AND HERE IS WHAT IT READS:

#0719386I55Y

yeah its definately a good site to add to your favorites . Welcome and i hope you can get all the answers you will ever need here.

ill let the Boxy slip up go for now.

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 11-28-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigSix302

Where are you located? A group effort will turn up more engines maybe close to you if you want to locate a GMC engine.

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/vin/vinbuster.html

I AM ON THE EAST END OF LONG ISLAND, NY. THERE ARE A HANDFUL OF OPERATING CHEVY'S AND GMC'S PRE 1970 AROUND HERE STILL BEING USED AS POTATO TRUCKS WHICH GENERALLY HAVE VERY LOW MILEAGE DUE TO THEIR LIMITED SEASONAL USE. I ONCE USED SATELLITE MAPS LIKE MSN/LIVE TO SCOPE OUT OLD TRUCKS PUT OUT TO PASTURE TO PHOTOGRAPH WITH OF COURSE THE LAND-OWNERS PERMISSION.

AS FOR ACTUALLY GETTING A GMC ENGINE, IT'S REALLY NOT ON THE TOP OF THE LIST SO TO SAY. FOR NOW IT'S JUST A FRONT YARD LAWN ORNAMENT. DON'T GET ME WRONG...I LOVE HOW YOU GUYS DIG INTO THE HISTORY AND CAN BOUNCE BACK WITH SOME SOLID ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS.

THANKS AGAIN!

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 11-30-2008, 04:39 PM

A Friend suggested that the manifold may've come from a marine engine. While talking to the 2 brothers that sold me the truck, my friend said the guys mentioned that their step-father worked for a marina back in the 1960's and that could be where it originated from AND WHY IT MAY LOOK UNUSUAL!?

d10s69c10 · 11-30-2008, 05:59 PM

Marine grade wow that is pretty cool. might make a very good dress up in the right application.

**truckdude239** · 12-03-2008, 10:38 AM

try and get it running your self. get some mystery oil let it sit in the cylinders for a few days and try to turn it over by hand,drain and change all the fluids probley will have to rebuild the crab new set of plugs and wires and points i'd say that baby would start right up

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 12-03-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckdude239

try and get it running your self. Get some mystery oil let it sit in the cylinders for a few days and try to turn it over by hand,drain and change all the fluids probley will have to rebuild the crab new set of plugs and wires and points i'd say that baby would start right up

We're already good to go with the marvel mystery oil. Will probably let it sit in there until the spring time. My buddy is an ex-mechanic and says he's determined to get it running.

55dude · 12-03-2008, 09:03 PM

got to complement you on you photo ability or at least having a decent camera. damm i hate some of those cell phone pic's. welcome aboard and keep us posted on getting it running.

THE AMERICAN GARAGE · 12-03-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55dude

got to complement you on you photo ability or at least having a decent camera. damm i hate some of those cell phone pic's. welcome aboard and keep us posted on getting it running.

THANKS! IT WAS A MEDIUM PRICED DSLR AND PHOTOSHOPPED TO SHOW SOME FAUX DEPTH OF FIELD.

~DOC

11-26-2008, 07:09 PM	#1
THE AMERICAN GARAGE Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LAUREL, NY Posts: 43	What engine might i have? I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS LOCAL '53 LONG BED (3/4 TON?) TO BE USED AS A LAWN ORNAMENT. IT WAS CHEAP AND OFFERED SOME EXTRA PARTS AND FREE DELIVERY. IT SITS ON MY FRONT LAWN FOR NOW. MY MECHANIC FRIEND SAYS HE WANTS TO GET IT RUNNING IN THE SPRING AFTER HE FINISHES SCHOOL. THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS NOT SURE WHAT I-6 ENGINE WAS UNDER THE HOOD. HE SAYS IT WAS REBUILT AND THEN DRIVEN LIKE 50 MILES AND THEN PARKED FOR PERHAPS 16 YEARS? HOW CAN I TELL WHICH ENGINE I HAVE? OR EVEN WHAT ENGINES WERE OFFERED? HE WAS GUESSING A 250 C.I. I JUST BUILT A NEW BED SINCE THE OLD ONE WAS ABOUT 60% GONE. I ALSO ADDED A STAKE SIDES FOR A CLASSY EFFECT. I HOPE TO GET A AIR-BLOWN SNOWMAN FOR THE BACK FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. THANKS! ~DOC

11-26-2008, 07:23 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: What engine might i have? Welcome to the board. Post a photo of the engine so we can see if it is original or has been replaced. I-6 is too broad a category. Post shots of both sides of the block. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

11-27-2008, 12:51 AM	#4
BigSix302 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 65	Re: What engine might i have? If it is the stock/original engine in it , then it will most likely be a 228 c.i. GMC engine. There is a flat area down behind the distributor that will have a stamped number . If the number starts with a 22, then it will be a 228. Like wise a 248 will be 24, a 270 wil be 27. This only applies to the GMC engines, if it was changed to a Chevrolet engine the number sequence will be much different. A picture would really help, or several pictures will give a general description. You will then need to go to some numbers or casting marks on the block to really nail it down. Hopefully the previous owner was able to keep the GMC engine in this truck. They are very good engines!! Keep us posted and we'll see what you can come up with. RIck W. p.s. here is a link to my GMC Burb. It has some pictures of the original 228 engine in there. It may help you some. __________________ AD's Rule!! 53 GMC Suburban--48 GMC 1/2 Ton project--49 Chevy Pick-up--52 Chevy Pick-up (my driver) Last edited by BigSix302; 11-27-2008 at 12:52 AM.

11-27-2008, 01:13 AM	#5
Swifty Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: East WA Posts: 243	Re: What engine might i have? truck looks good! welcome to the site!

11-27-2008, 04:10 PM	#6
THE AMERICAN GARAGE Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LAUREL, NY Posts: 43	Re: What engine might i have? Thanks! Here are the engine pictures. It has a Chevrolet valve cover, but you guys decide if it's been swapped. I would say YES! Okay...Passenger side first: Now, Driver side:

11-27-2008, 08:57 PM	#7
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,287	Re: What engine might i have? I'm going to say 235 or 261 Chev. Probably 54/57 or so as it doesn't look to have provisions for side mounts. Interesting split manifold though.

11-27-2008, 09:32 PM	#8
d10s69c10 Built 4 Speed Join Date: May 2008 Location: Geneva FL Posts: 619	Re: What engine might i have? that thing would look awesome slammed on 22's first off. im going to assume its a 235. beautiful poto of the truck i would frame that. __________________ 1969 C/10 Short Box: 496/T-56 in worx. "To Be Old And Wise, First You Must Be Young And Stupid"

11-27-2008, 10:54 PM	#9
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 849	Re: What engine might i have? Looks like the 235 I have in my 55 Belair. Except the oil filter is behind the carb not in front. Attached Images __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

11-28-2008, 12:23 PM	#10
50MOTORHEAD Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: midwest Posts: 113	Re: What engine might i have? I agree,,,that home-made ,split manifold is WAY-TOO-COOL to change.

11-28-2008, 03:32 PM	#11
BigSix302 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 65	Re: What engine might i have? I'd say most likely a 235. I did not notice any large oil gallery access on the drivers side. Also, in picture five showing the starter, there is a flat space just aft of the distributor. It should have some numbers stamped in that flat which will be helpful in finding out more about this particular engine. A 235 will run pretty good with a little recon work and different rear end/ trans combo to make it more streetable. PLus they sound pretty cool! __________________ AD's Rule!! 53 GMC Suburban--48 GMC 1/2 Ton project--49 Chevy Pick-up--52 Chevy Pick-up (my driver) Last edited by BigSix302; 11-28-2008 at 06:28 PM.

11-28-2008, 05:36 PM	#12
THE AMERICAN GARAGE Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LAUREL, NY Posts: 43	Re: What engine might i have? WOW! YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN A LARGE SOURCE OF INFO. THIS IS THE FIRST GMC TRUCK (OR ANY GMC PRODUCT FOR THAT MATTER) THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED...SO I'M LEARNING. I LOVE THE PRE-BOXY ERA OF PICK-UPS ANY MAKE REALLY. SO I CLEANED OFF THE PLATE BEHIND THE DISTRIBUTOR AND HERE IS WHAT IT READS: #0719386I55Y Last edited by THE AMERICAN GARAGE; 11-28-2008 at 05:37 PM.

11-28-2008, 06:46 PM	#13
BigSix302 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 65	Re: What engine might i have? I went to this web site and it say you have a 1960 engine. It does not give any other specs. I suspect it may be a car engine since it did not closely match any thing I looked at. I did not do searches on car engine numbers. Still it is likely a 235 and a good engine if you want to keep it, but not correct for your GMC truck. The GMC engines are out there. You just got to beat the weeds for them. Where are you located? A group effort will turn up more engines maybe close to you if you want to locate a GMC engine. http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/vin/vinbuster.html __________________ AD's Rule!! 53 GMC Suburban--48 GMC 1/2 Ton project--49 Chevy Pick-up--52 Chevy Pick-up (my driver)

11-30-2008, 04:39 PM	#16
THE AMERICAN GARAGE Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LAUREL, NY Posts: 43	Re: What engine might i have? A Friend suggested that the manifold may've come from a marine engine. While talking to the 2 brothers that sold me the truck, my friend said the guys mentioned that their step-father worked for a marina back in the 1960's and that could be where it originated from AND WHY IT MAY LOOK UNUSUAL!? Last edited by THE AMERICAN GARAGE; 11-30-2008 at 04:40 PM.

11-30-2008, 05:59 PM	#17
d10s69c10 Built 4 Speed Join Date: May 2008 Location: Geneva FL Posts: 619	Re: What engine might i have? Marine grade wow that is pretty cool. might make a very good dress up in the right application. __________________ 1969 C/10 Short Box: 496/T-56 in worx. "To Be Old And Wise, First You Must Be Young And Stupid"

12-03-2008, 10:38 AM	#18
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: What engine might i have? try and get it running your self. get some mystery oil let it sit in the cylinders for a few days and try to turn it over by hand,drain and change all the fluids probley will have to rebuild the crab new set of plugs and wires and points i'd say that baby would start right up __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube



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12-03-2008, 09:03 PM	#20
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	Re: What engine might i have? got to complement you on you photo ability or at least having a decent camera. damm i hate some of those cell phone pic's. welcome aboard and keep us posted on getting it running.

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