The Jalopy Journal

**jonnycola** · 12-20-2003, 05:58 PM

So my dad's got a roadster that he built during his senior year of highschool in 1959. Its a 29 body on 32 rails, its got a Corvette 265 with a 39 toploader tranny, and a staggered 4x2 intake. This thing is going to be my summer project providing I get my coupe done in time, and I want to know everything about it ahead of time....problem is, he cant remember what year motor it is. I know it is somewhere between 56 and 58 but how can I tell the years apart?

jonnycola

Fat Hack · 12-20-2003, 06:00 PM

If it's from a Vette, it's either a 55 or a 56. The Vette got a 283 in 57, then the 327 in 62.

Deuce Roadster · 12-20-2003, 06:23 PM

55's had no oil filter or cannister on the block.

1955 had a casting # 3703534
1955 - 56 were # 3720991

Post the number and letters stamped on the right front pad (beside the water pump) and more information can be told.

The number and letters in the red circle.......

The engine in the pic is not mine..........I lifted in off the internet because it was a good photo and already had the circle.

Thanks to George.........you know who you are......

Tman · 12-20-2003, 07:14 PM

Bookmark this site. www.mortec.com

**jonnycola** · 12-21-2003, 04:28 AM

cool.

So when did they quit the 265... 1957?

The thing has finned aluminum corvette valve covers on it... but I guess that dosent mean much.

Is there anything specific about it that makes it irregular or goofy in general? Anything prone to go wrong on them?

Deuce Roadster · 12-21-2003, 07:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]

So when did they quit the 265... 1957?
Is there anything specific about it that makes it irregular or goofy in general? Anything prone to go wrong on them?

[/ QUOTE ]

They made 265's in 1957 but did not install them in Corvettes. All 265 blocks have NO provisions for side motor mounts. They also have a special slot cut on the gear at the rear of the camshaft for oiling that later SBCs did not have. YOU MUST cut this slot if you change camshafts.

J. Cougar · 12-21-2003, 12:34 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The thing has finned aluminum corvette valve covers on it... but I guess that dosent mean much

[/ QUOTE ]
My 265 has them too , but it aint no vette motor.

12-20-2003, 05:58 PM	#1
jonnycola Alliance Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Wales Wisconsin Posts: 1,893	265 I.D.? So my dad's got a roadster that he built during his senior year of highschool in 1959. Its a 29 body on 32 rails, its got a Corvette 265 with a 39 toploader tranny, and a staggered 4x2 intake. This thing is going to be my summer project providing I get my coupe done in time, and I want to know everything about it ahead of time....problem is, he cant remember what year motor it is. I know it is somewhere between 56 and 58 but how can I tell the years apart? jonnycola

12-20-2003, 06:00 PM	#2
Fat Hack Old School HAMBer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Detroit Posts: 7,648	Re: 265 I.D.? If it's from a Vette, it's either a 55 or a 56. The Vette got a 283 in 57, then the 327 in 62.

12-20-2003, 06:23 PM	#3
Deuce Roadster Old School HAMBer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Deuceland, in South Carolina Posts: 6,950	Re: 265 I.D.? 55's had no oil filter or cannister on the block. 1955 had a casting # 3703534 1955 - 56 were # 3720991 Post the number and letters stamped on the right front pad (beside the water pump) and more information can be told. The number and letters in the red circle....... The engine in the pic is not mine..........I lifted in off the internet because it was a good photo and already had the circle. Thanks to George.........you know who you are......

12-20-2003, 07:14 PM	#4
Tman Old School HAMBer Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Black Hills Posts: 18,350	Re: 265 I.D.? Bookmark this site. www.mortec.com

12-21-2003, 04:28 AM	#5
jonnycola Alliance Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Wales Wisconsin Posts: 1,893	Re: 265 I.D.? cool. So when did they quit the 265... 1957? The thing has finned aluminum corvette valve covers on it... but I guess that dosent mean much. Is there anything specific about it that makes it irregular or goofy in general? Anything prone to go wrong on them?

12-21-2003, 07:34 AM	#6
Deuce Roadster Old School HAMBer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Deuceland, in South Carolina Posts: 6,950	Re: 265 I.D.? [ QUOTE ] So when did they quit the 265... 1957? Is there anything specific about it that makes it irregular or goofy in general? Anything prone to go wrong on them? [/ QUOTE ] They made 265's in 1957 but did not install them in Corvettes. All 265 blocks have NO provisions for side motor mounts. They also have a special slot cut on the gear at the rear of the camshaft for oiling that later SBCs did not have. YOU MUST cut this slot if you change camshafts.

12-21-2003, 12:34 PM	#7
J. Cougar Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 723	Re: 265 I.D.? [ QUOTE ] The thing has finned aluminum corvette valve covers on it... but I guess that dosent mean much [/ QUOTE ] My 265 has them too , but it aint no vette motor.

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