Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

[Karl L.]

I own "1955" VE55S001627. Built 3rd - 4th week October 1955?
Question: What Numbers, Cast Date and others are we looking for to meet NCRS
Judging Standards? Some one said with-in 3mos. of Built Date? I have seen "55" Vettes #617- #620- #623 mentioned through the years, so I know I would have to be close to them? Original motor changed before I owned it.
Karl Litzner. How many are know to exist today? I've owned mine since around 1974-75.

[Dave Suesz]

Well, the

intake manifold on #518 (built approx Aug 12, 1955) is code F235 (June 23, 1955). This is known to be the original manifold, since the car has been in the family since new.

What engine do you have now? Are the external accessories (manifolds, shields, etc. correct? Is it painted the correct Chevy Red?

[Roy B.]

Re: Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

I heard six months-but? How many left , fewer then 53's left
mhooker@glennrasmussen.com guy in FL. has #625 write him ----good luck

[Karl L.]

Re: Well, the

Dave,
What is your cast date on your block?
To answer your question about motor in car: All "57". Stamp numbers on front boss show it came out of a Turbo-glide passenger car. Generator- "57" tag but has a tack drive. Intake is "57" with a 4 Jet Rochester on it.
Thanks. Karl.

[Karl L.]

Re: Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

Thanks Roy.
I'll send an e-mail off to mhooker and see what information he can give me.
Karl

[Dave Suesz]

Well, the

block is about a month earlier than the manifold, but it is known to not be original (I installed it with my Dad in 1971). The original died in 1964 when a piston broke. For years it had a 283, but we got a 55 engine and had this one built. I must say, a 265 with a Duntov cam runs a LOT better than that 283 did. If you ever get the urge, go for it, the 55 block is completely unique, and unmistakable, as is the intake manifold. Usually not real expensive, either.

[Karl L.]

Re: Well, the

Dave,
Thanks again for your imput. I bought a "55" motor late last fall about 40 miles from where I live. It was listed on E-bay. I asked him several times for the date cast and he said all the numbers listed on E-bay was all he could find, so I took a chance and bought it. I was hoping for the best. When I picked it up and read the date, all was going well until the last number. ("4").
It would have worked within three months of a January built Vette. Now it's a plan "B" motor. (PARTS) For a bare block.
Roy Braatz gave me Mike Hooker's E-mail address and Mike responded with a lenghtly reply with a lot of information which I will be checking out.
Thank You Dave.
Karl.

[Karl L.]

Re: Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

Roy,
I sent Mike Hooker a E-mail and he sent me a nice Letter with much information
of where to look for numbers, dates and other related things. He said you helped him a great deal.
Kudos Roy.
Karl.

[Roy B.]

Re: Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

Keep in touch because we are a few that own a 55 and there are few left out there , the JM has many things wrong and missing about our 55"S Best ROY

[Dave Suesz]

Coupla 55 notes...

Use an OE or good repro of the Duntov cam, it really adds to the authenticity of the engine. Use the 4" dia "off-road" style mufflers, it's what the 55 was supposed to have, and it sounds great with a 265 power pac engine. Be careful with the cam, it should have a notch in the rear bearing, to supply oil to the valve train. Install a "thrust nose" on the front of the cam, even a slight bit of timing chain wear can allow the cam to walk forward and cut off the valve oil supply. Ask me how I know :o)

There are a couple of places to register a 55, the "c1registry.com, and the booklet "53-55 Corvette Registry".

[Karl L.]

Re: Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

Thanks Roy,
We'll certainty keep in touch. About how many are left? I've always heard less than the "53"s.
Karl.

[Karl L.]

Re: Coupla 55 notes...

Thanks Dave,
I've been mulling over a Cam. I know about the oil groove. I'm in the dark
about a "Thrust Nose".
Thanks again for the Input. I'll try the Registry's you gave me.
Karl.

[Roy B.]

Re: Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

When NCRS honored the 50th for 53 some 40 or 50 showed up I think, on the 50th for the 55 15 showed up and two was just a frame and one a race car, Do to the fact they were V8's many were raced or mod and destroyed . Look at how many times you ever saw a 55 at a NCRS meet! The 54 is bringing 100K and up for a restored top flight which over 3,000 were made, most 53's are bought up and put away as a investment (trailer queens) I again think over %75 still exist.
Now I could be wrong but I don't think more then %20 of the 55 exist, think about it how many over the years have you seen? Check NCRS judging results in their book each year how many 55 do they ever list that was judged?
Hagerty has my 55 insured for 150K and I drive it (not a trailer queen) but they know I take care of it ( owned for over 24 years).
I think that the rarest body year (NOW) is the 55 first , then the 53 and 56 after ,when it comes to C1's, I also think there are more 54's left then all 55-53-and 56 put to gather. I also think the 54 bringing 100K or more reflects the low number of 55's to be found while most 53's are already bought up.
Remember this is only my thinking , I may be full of it, but after being into NCRS from the start and before NCRS I feel I'm close to being right . Your comments please!!

[Dave Suesz]

Looks like this...

Do not assemble you engine without one. Not having this $8 part cost me a $500 towing bill once. Goes on the front of the camshaft, keeps it from drfting forward.

Summit, Jegs, any speed shop should have this.

[Karl L.]

Re: Correct Date and GM Cast Numbers C1

Roy,
Where was the "55" 50th held? Some how I missed hearing about it.
Karl