Chevy Six Stovebolt Engine Identification
What is it?
The best way to ID a Chevy six cylinder engine is to use the casting numbers found on the block. There are, however, some other telltale signs to help you identify an engine at a glance.
The engine casting number can usually be found on the "passenger side" of the block, just above the starter. If you have the casting number from the side of the block, please try using out Six-Cylinder Engine Casting Number Lookup Tool.
Early Stovebolts
The Pre-1954 216 and 235 engines used babbit bearings and splash oiling, and many of these engines were replaced at some point with late-model engines, for better performance and reliability. These engines can be quickly identified by the following features:
- Two studs holding down the valve cover
- A tall side cover which the spark plugs pass through
Late Stovebolts
The Late (1954 - 62) 235's and 261's can be identified by:
- Four screws holding down the valve cover ("dummy" studs are sometimes seen on the valve covers)
- A shorter side cover which stops below the spark plugs
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