Hot Rods Chevy small block id

A friend inherited his brother's 55 2 door. It has a SBC with the code F0209EB in front of the right cylinder head. What can be learned from that. Looked at different sites, but didn't get a full picture. Squirrel?

 

That seems more like a date code and not the casting code.
Casting code will require removing the valve cover to see it.
If you don't(can't) want to pull the valve cover, look at the end of the cylinder head, there will be a geometric shapes on the end of the cylinder head that can give you an idea of the age/type of cylinder head it is.
No bolt holes in the side of the head, pre-'69 engine. Bolt holes to mount alternator, A/C, etc, '69 and newer.

 

EB, but i don't get the date code.

 

Thanks fellas. Neither head has holes for accessories. His brother built the car in 79-80 as a HS senior. He had a stash of chevies and parts to use.

 

SBC casting numbers are located at the back/top of the block on the drivers side of the engine. In a Tri-Five Chevrolet, those numbers are really hard to read as the block is up against the firewall. Head casting numbers or the "shapes" on the ends of the heads may tell you something also. A photo might also help some. Squirrel?
I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

If you want Squirrel to see it, add @ in front of it.
@squirrel
.bjb

 

I believe the F indicates it was from the Flint plant.

 

or wait for him to get back from visiting his family up in Tucson

Yes, F is for Flint.

EB was used for a few different engines. The fact that there's a zero between the F and the 9 means it's not too early...I don't remember when they started adding the zero, but I think it was in the late 50s.

57 car 283 dual 4bbl hi lift cam
58-61 car 283 Turboglide and 4bbl carb
65 chevelle 327 300hp manual
66 chevelle 327 250hp manual
67 chevelle 327 275hp manual

 

02 month 09day or other way around EB is engine code. Stamped pad does not have year on it. You need to check out the casting date to find out year.

Pat

 

The casting date will give you the year. The casting number will tell you if it's a 283 or 327, without knowing the year.

 

350 from a 62 corvette. Aren't they all a 350 and from a vette?

 

I appreciate the input. Will have to figure out a way to get ' tween firewall and head. Dont recall the name, but the shifter has separate lever for reverse. Kind of a time capsule...complete with class of '80 tassel on mirror. I remember him driving it all those years ago. It screamed. He was a giant of a man with a high pitched voice. He learned the basics from old timers and spent his evenings honing his skills on building engines.

 

Try aiming a camera or cell phone down behind the left head and taking a few shots to see if you can get a clear enough one of the block casting number.

If the block doesn't have provisions for side motor mounts (the three bolt holes on the side of the block) you can pretty well figure it is a 57 or earlier block.

 

I just looked at it today. Didn't look to see if it had side mount provisions as you mention. Will get another look one of these first days.

 

Flint engine plant, assembled February 9.. You'll have to decipher the casting numbers for dates. EB helps, but Chevrolet often used the same codes in different years for different engines.

Bob

 

At least he has a list of what engines used that code, now.

It's probably a Chevelle 327, the Turboglide was a rare option.

 

I do thank all for chiming in!

 

They started using V for flint in 1967, so most likely pre 67


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

'67 and back had a draft tube hole in back of the block.

 

This is a tough one.

 

I forget this all the time, but the little "rib" at the front of the engine, towards the passenger side, can also help tell what it "might" be; it's by the front oil line plug.. And I forget what the rib means. Too much good stuff according to AM/PM; just too much stuff to remember according to Butch. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.