56-57 engine codes

chewy · 06-21-2006, 05:57 PM

Just came across an old 55 4dr that had the best set of 9 rib valve covers that I come across. I have no vin code references that old what should I be looking for?

Easy Mike · 06-22-2006, 09:09 AM

Not sure what you're asking. Are you looking for part numbers on the valve covers or the 265?

chewy · 06-22-2006, 10:52 AM

Sorry I wasn't clear. It doesn't have the origonal engine and I would like to know if the engine the valve covers were on got put in or just the valve covers. I have nothing that gives vin codes before 58. thanks

Easy Mike · 06-22-2006, 01:09 PM

[quote=chewy]....It doesn't have the origonal engine...[\QUOTE

Okay, so you know it's not an original 265.

Quote:

...and I would like to know if the engine the valve covers were on got put in or just the valve covers...I have nothing that gives vin codes before 58. thanks

Corvette VINs were not stamped on blocks until sometime in 1962. If this is actually a Corvette engine, you will need the casting numbers off the blocks, heads, manifold, etc.

You can't go by the valve covers. They're (obviously) old Corvette, but they would fit any small block of the era.

Point to check: are the hold down holes on the valve covers staggered or straight across from each other. That will give us an estimate on age. Older covers have the staggered holes; later covers have the straight. Count fins. 9 fin are older; 7 fin are later.

JohnZ · 06-22-2006, 01:27 PM

What's the block casting number (driver's side rear flange of block, behind the cylinder head), and what's stamped on the machined surface on the front of the block in front of the passenger side cylinder head?

chewy · 06-22-2006, 05:55 PM

He is going to look. I ended up with the valve covers that I didn't know were 9 rib until i saw them. I don't think he even looked to see if it had side mounts but I will get the numbers.

chewy · 06-22-2006, 10:07 PM

He can't see the block numbers but the pad numbers are F0I04M. I hope that helps. Thanks

Easy Mike · 06-23-2006, 02:03 PM

9 fin valve covers are 56-57 Corvette. M on the engine code indicates a 1956 265 truck engine or 58-62 283 truck engine, none of which would be a Corvette smallblock.

Check to ensure there is not another letter on the engine code. Could it be EM?

chewy · 06-24-2006, 09:08 PM

Thanks, I will have him look again.

JohnZ · 06-25-2006, 03:39 PM

"M" can also be a '63-'64 283/175hp 2-barrel manual truck engine, and the date format says it's '60 or later.