I've got a 1951 Chevy 3100 that's been in the family since new, has the original 216 splash oiler but seized from not having been run in 45 years. So I buy a 235 Chevy that supposedly came out of a 1956 car and the guy even gave me the powerglide transmission to go with it. I thought, great, it will have hydraulic lifters but now that I've started tearing down this engine, I'm not sure. Can you guys help me decipher what year engine I have, what year block I have, and if it has hydraulic or solid lifters? Thanks so much for your help. Harry
Based on the 3836848 block casting number, the B52 and F255X date codes, and the original powerglide association, you almost certainly have a 1955 or early 1956 235 engine with hydraulic lifters . 1956 Powerglide-equipped 235s did come with hydraulic lifters, while manual transmission models had solid lifters. Since you have a Powerglide transmission that came with the engine, there's a good chance it has hydraulic lifters. I hope Im not wrong on this
It appears to me to be a 1955 235 C.I.D. engine, be aware the hydraulic lifters never worked well when new, I'd replace them with solid lifters and if you're going to do internal repairs find, purchase and install a 261 C.I.D. camshaft from a 1957 one ton truck, you'll love how it runs .
