ClassicCar

I purchased a 1950 bel-air with the powerglide transmission. It was the first year for the bel-air and the powerglide. I was told it had the original engine and in 1950 the powerglide was suppose to be available with only a 235 engine. However the number on the block 3835497 and under that is a 9, I believe those numbers shows it to be a 1950 216 engine. The vin no. is 8HJK-56222 style no. 50-1237 body no. S46218. The head no. is 3835517 with a 39 under that. Other no’s on the head are con12 and under that is J90.



The engine serial number behind the distributor is X805603 and I don’t know how to interpret the engine numbers. I’m trying to confirm the date the engine was made. I’m wondering if it’s possible that GM put in a 216 either by mistake or they didn’t have a 235 to put in at that time. The engine needs rebuilding and if it is the original engine I will rebuild it and re-install it. If it is not the original engine I’ll junk it and install a 235.





Any advice or help would be very much appreciated.



Thanks,



Pete