I am looking at a motor for sale in another state and I have been told it is a '32; here are the numbers and letters on the block that the seller sent me.

"Casting number is 836579 and below that is F 2 2 The stamped number behind the
distributor is 3290246 not sure of the last number 6 looks like lower case letter b"

Can you tell me if this motor is correct for my '32?

Thanks...

The block casting number should be 836573, not 836579. However, yes, that is a 1932 engine.

Thanks JunkYardDog, I know it doesn't mean much to judging but I would like a motor that is close to my build date of Dec. '31. Can you tell what month/year this motor was built?

Thanks again.

The block was cast on June 2nd, 1932.

Thanks for that information JunkYardDog, I emailed the seller to check on the '9'; I guess June is close enough...since I could use any 194, LOL.

Thanks again for your help.

Heck yes! You can even install a 1929 engine and under our present sytem the engine would be "correct".

update from seller:

"I rechecked the numbers on the engine and a wire brush isn't needed. The
number is as plain as can be and you (not me but the JunkYardDog) are right. The casting number is
836573. Also the stamped number is behind the fuel pump not the distributor
as I mentioned. Steve"

Here is the motor, got a little pricey for me:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Maybe someone closer can use it...

How could that be???

I think the only requirement in VCCA engine judging is that a '32 car must have a 194ci engine. Earlier build engine blocks ('29,'30,'31) would not take away any points and the block year does not have to match the year the car was built.

This is what I understand from what I have read in Chatter...hope I have not misunderstood.

Yes, that is correct. Under the new juding system, as long as the engine has the correct number of cylinders and the correct cubic inches for the year of manufacuture then no points will be deducted. Therefore, a 1929 engine block and head in a 1932 would be okay.

Thats crappy

Totally agree!

Gator,
"a little pricie" have you checked on the price of parts and labor lately. If it is a recent rebuild as the ad says I don't think it is to far out of line.

JunkYardDog, When did this rule about any engine as long as the CID is the same is OK cine about?

See you down the back roads.

As I recall (strictly going by memory here), the engine change was discussed in the G&D back around mid-2003 I believe. Also, the issue was discussed here on Chevy Chatter and at some of the judging schools as I was told.

Thanks JunkYardDog. I guess I'm out of touch. I haven't judged since tha last anniversary meet and have only had our 31 judged once since they started the Preservation Award. I'd rather go touring. I've driven our 31 almost 40,000 miles, the 74 Nova 11,000 miles, and the 54 about 500 two weeks ago with about 1,500 to be added next week to from and on the Early Six Cylinder Tour.

See you down the back roads

Yep, driving the cars and having fun with them is what it is all about!

See ya down those "Back Roads"!

Back Roads, I guess I have lost some of the faith I used to have in people, the seller saying "recent rebuild" might or might not be true. What is 'recent' to me might not be the same to him. With the motor being out of the car and not running, troubles me; I like to hear a motor running. Plus, the motor is a long ways from me. Finally, if there were any problems with it I'm sure he would say the motor was sold 'as is'.

It is too bad that we can't trust everybody...but I guess that is the way things are now.

Gator, I guess then you would say the engine is to iffy.

Gator: If that engine was rebuilt correctly (if it was even rebuilt at all), then I can fly to the moon and back without a spaceship!

That is more than enough for me to stay away from this engine...thanks JunkYardDog.

Sure, glad to help!