just got a 1947 fleetline and while searching on the computer i came across this great site what a blessing i am learning so much but i still have a engine number question the number on block by the distributor is LAAII04590 can anyone help thanks

Welcome to Chevy Chatter II. We are really glad to have you with us!

According to the prefix letters on the engine serial number, your engine appears to be a 1953.

The dog is correct. The Engine serial number LAA 1104590 was used in 1953.

L = Model year designation 1953.
A = First A is the designation for Passenger car usage.
A = Second A denotes Flint build engine.
Sequence number 1104590 would have been assembled late in September of 1953.

For the engine to be a 1947 unit, the engine number should start with EAA and the build sequence number 1104590 is well beyond the highest number used in 1947. (the last unit assembled at Flint for the 1947 model year was 683120)

What the above replies failed to mention is that the LAA engine is from a stick shift passenger car. This is the old design engine with cast iron pistons and the dipper rod bearing oiling. The Power Glide passenger car engine was modernized with aluminum pistons and full pressure lubrication oiling. That would be a LAQ

So...does Tom have the 216 or 235 ?

( 235 )