My 56 has a 216 (or 215) straight six that I've been told is older then the truck. Problem is I need an ID on it because we just discovered 5 bent push rods which all seem to be either all intake or all outtake. We're thinking that the timing chain may have jumped and that it's an interference motor.... Engine Number is FO3OIBE .... the "O" could be a Zero and the "I" could be a One.... Anyone out there know what the engine is and year?? Thanks! Larry
I have the chevy truck id numbers 1946-1972 book. Sorry checked very year and could not find your engine id.Hope some one hear can help. Brandon
Look on the block accross from the carb and look for a seven digit number probably starting with 37-----. Will help further from there. Bob
Thanks for your help! The number on the cast block is "3769716"... the guys from Bowtie Bits and Chevy Duty Tech Dept have also been most helpful...CD told me that the "F0301BE" (which is stamped in a flat smooth surface on the block right near the cast number) means that the engine was built in Flint, Michigan...(F).. '0301' means March 1 and BE means... I think they told me between 58-60. Other info discussed along with the fact that the valve cover has four bolt holes has helped determine that I have a 235.... not what I was told when I bought the truck... which is OK. Do you guys concur with this info?? FYI, I just got the truck... had it shipped from Colorado to Mass (home of the World Champion Boston Red Sox in case you didn't know!)... it's in pretty good condition...some rust at cab corners... needs a new bed, upholstry, windshield, side glass and all but generally in good shape. Plan is to have it become our working vehicle for our country store. Thanks for your help so far... I'm sure I'll be needing more! Larry
Check with Pat at Patrick's in Arizona he is a 216 and 235 Pro. phone: 520-838-1117 My 2-cents worth, rico My trucks: 56 SWB Stepside Small Window 57 SWB Stepside Big Window 58 LWB Stepside 2B Ext. Cab
Right from the Patrick's catalog..."The date code is contained in a cast boss just above the starter. They are NOT the stamped numbers by the distributor. Example: D 146= April 14, 1956". The cast numbers are half-way between the pan flange and the pushrod cover. I have a 55 2nd Series Chevy and found them where stated.
