I know it is not a Chevelle(related) block question, but, if I may patronize a mite, you guys have decent knowledge, and yah ain't shy about helpin' out... Apparently this block was the 2nd V8 offered by Chebby as the first one was from 1917 to 1919 in 288ci form... Here we go: block number 3703524 casted L20 4 and on the ledge where the suffix code(s) usually resides is this stamping V12371 or I looks like the last digit is stamped like an I instead of a 1... What does this Vin stand for???
Always thought 265ci engine w/out the oil filter provision was the first Chev V8...
Thanks! and I know it is not Chevelle related ! ! !
Ted

3703524 = 265 ,55 ,195hp ,car & Corvette , no oil filter .,2-Bolt

Here's the '55 engine codes:
E 55 265 Truck 154 221 Manual 2-Brl
EB 55 265 Truck 154 221 Manual 2-Brl
F 55 265 Impala 162 Base Power glide 2-Brl
FB 55 265 Impala 180 410 Power glide 4-Brl Dual exhaust
FC 55 265 Impala 162 Base Power glide 2-Brl A/C
FD 55 265 Impala 180 410 Power glide 4-Brl Dual exhaust, A/C
FG 55 265 Corvette 195 410 Power glide 4-Brl Carter WCFB
G 55 265 Impala 162 Base Power glide 2-Brl
GC 55 265 Impala 162 Base 3-spd 2-Brl
GE 55 265 Impala 180 410 3-spd 4-Brl Dual exhaust
GF 55 265 Impala 162 Base 3-spd 2-Brl A/C
GJ 55 265 Impala 162 Base 3-spd 2-Brl HD clutch
GK 55 265 Impala 162 Base 3-spd 2-Brl HD clutch, A/C
GL 55 265 Impala 180 410 3-spd 4-Brl Dual exhaust
GM 55 265 Impala 180 410 3-spd 4-Brl Dual exhaust, A/C
GN 55 265 Impala 180 410 3-spd 4-Brl Dual exhaust, A/C
GQ 55 265 Impala 162 Base 3-spd 2-Brl A/C
GR 55 265 Corvette 195 410 3-spd 4-Brl Carter WCFB

Interesting, I thought the Impala was introduced in 1958.

They use "Impala" generically for full size car on most sites.

Where would I spot the engine code(s) on the block... The only stamping other than the engine & casting date identifiers on the rear of the block is the V 12371 or I..
Thanks you !!
Ted

Engine I.D.Number -top right in pic.

http://www.yearone.com/updatedsinglepages/Id_info/gm_engine_id/gmidimages/endinedetail1.jpg

I realize that, but the only coding I have on this ledge is the V 12371 or I.
Nothing else to go by... Maybe block was decked, therefore deleting the original suffix code???..
T.

Check the 7 & 1 again.
And see if theres a number between the V & 1 or I as the case may be.

Does it have provisions for side motor mounts?

Try reading this to learn about 55 & 56 block stampings.

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2000/january/code1/code1p2.asp

Looked and magnified the pic again and I stand by what I said previously only, the V123 looks like a uniform stamping but the 7I looks like a bit larger stamping... That is all that is on the ledge below where the psgr cyl. head would sit... Jonn, the letter V is on the "ledge" not T or F for Tonawanda or Flint as in the Corvette reading... Can't get to the block for a couple of months unless the snow melts real good, as it inside a wood cabin all lubed up therefore I can't speak to the engine mounts... As for how the engine I have a pic of the V1237I but I need someone to post her up for me as the CPU I have is on a slow land-line and will time me out B 4 the pic is sent...
Some notes I made on the engine as it was torn down..
TRW L2038 030 4 valve relief forged pistons
Main caps are numbered 370466
Forged crank 3735236 010 / 010 mains 'n rods
Round crank flange with 6 bolt holes and a large dowel pin.
Heads are 3837064 units marked CDA 51
Diagonal Bolt valve covers with Chevrolet scripting
Small hub / dampener with three bolt holes
Timing cover was screwed to block with flathead screws
Oil pan had the sump cut and re-welded to gain capacity. I read somewhere that Moroso had put out a unit of this type.. Not great looking by any means but the pan could be from way way back..
Interesting piece to say the least.. I wonder if someone had in fact raced it, or, was in the process of doing so.????
Thanks for the help guys!!!
Ted