engine identification help

[Mike Jones]

I need help identifying the engine in my 1957 "driver". I've looked the numbers up in my meager library (Black Book, Motorbooks, etc.) and the Internet with limited success. The block casting # is 3756519 and the stamped # on the front right boss is F0105C. Thanks for your help!

Mike

[Gary Schisler]

Re: engine identification help

From my "Complete Chevrolet V-8 Engine Code Pocket Guide" I get this: C is a 57 265ci, 162 hp engine from a passenger car or truck with a 2 barrel carb and a 3 speed trans. I also show it for a 58-62 passenger car with a 283 ci, 170 hp engine with a 2 2 barrel carb and manual trans. Last, it might be a 283 ci, 195 hp engine passenger car with 2 barrel carb and manual trans. Others might be able to help you with the casting number (right Joe L. ?). There is not a reference for a Corvette with this code.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: engine identification help

From my "Complete Chevrolet V-8 Engine Code Pocket Guide" I get this: C is a 57 265ci, 162 hp engine from a passenger car or truck with a 2 barrel carb and a 3 speed trans. I also show it for a 58-62 passenger car with a 283 ci, 170 hp engine with a 2 2 barrel carb and manual trans. Last, it might be a 283 ci, 195 hp engine passenger car with 2 barrel carb and manual trans. Others might be able to help you with the casting number (right Joe L. ?). There is not a reference for a Corvette with this code.

[John Rohe]

Re: engine identification help

Mike,

Take the info. that Gary has given you here and supplement it by looking at the casting date of the block. That will help narrow down the possible original applications. Don't overlook the importance of the casting date. Many front "pads" have been re-stamped, but it's much more difficult (if not impossible) to mess with the casting date. Good luck.

John R.

[John Rohe]

Re: engine identification help

Mike,

Take the info. that Gary has given you here and supplement it by looking at the casting date of the block. That will help narrow down the possible original applications. Don't overlook the importance of the casting date. Many front "pads" have been re-stamped, but it's much more difficult (if not impossible) to mess with the casting date. Good luck.

John R.

[Jack H.]

Re: engine identification help

To add to John's advice, the casting date will also tell you the mfg source of your engine block (Saginaw/Flint or Tonawanda). The "F" prefix on the pad points to Flint which is considered the correct source for most Corvette SB motors, but the casting will confirm/deny.

Flint/Saginaw used a single digit ID code for the year (Eg. 1=61) while Tonawanda used a two digit cast (Eg. 61=1961). Seeing the casting date (RH rear apron opposite the casting number) can be tricky with the road draft breather tube installed. Either remove the breather tube or use the 'judges trick' -- slip a piece of paper under the tube and lightly run a pencil over to lift and impression.

True original '57 blocks are not so easy to find. They differed from passenger car in terms of motor mount method (lower cushion vs. front cross bar). It wouldn't be the first time an original '57 Corvette motor was replaced long ago with a perfectly functional but factory 'incorrect' service replacement engine....

[Jack H.]

Re: engine identification help

To add to John's advice, the casting date will also tell you the mfg source of your engine block (Saginaw/Flint or Tonawanda). The "F" prefix on the pad points to Flint which is considered the correct source for most Corvette SB motors, but the casting will confirm/deny.

Flint/Saginaw used a single digit ID code for the year (Eg. 1=61) while Tonawanda used a two digit cast (Eg. 61=1961). Seeing the casting date (RH rear apron opposite the casting number) can be tricky with the road draft breather tube installed. Either remove the breather tube or use the 'judges trick' -- slip a piece of paper under the tube and lightly run a pencil over to lift and impression.

True original '57 blocks are not so easy to find. They differed from passenger car in terms of motor mount method (lower cushion vs. front cross bar). It wouldn't be the first time an original '57 Corvette motor was replaced long ago with a perfectly functional but factory 'incorrect' service replacement engine....

[Loren]

Re: engine identification help

The "519" was a 283 block made from late summer 1958 through at least summer 1961 and maybe longer. The "C" designated a 283, with 2 barrel carb, passenger car in 1959, 1960 and 1961. Your motor was assembled on January 5th in one of those years.

[Loren]

Re: engine identification help

The "519" was a 283 block made from late summer 1958 through at least summer 1961 and maybe longer. The "C" designated a 283, with 2 barrel carb, passenger car in 1959, 1960 and 1961. Your motor was assembled on January 5th in one of those years.

[Mike Jones]

Re: engine identification help THANKS!

Thanks everyone! The best read I can get on the Engine Cast Date is something like A31X where the X is a total unintelligible character. I'll try to get a pencil scribing of it.

Mike

[Mike Jones]

Re: engine identification help THANKS!

Thanks everyone! The best read I can get on the Engine Cast Date is something like A31X where the X is a total unintelligible character. I'll try to get a pencil scribing of it.

Mike