55.2-59 V8's in TF trucks

[reichdav]

Does anyone know when the 283 replaced the 265 in trucks? I believe for cars it was late 1957.

[bobinbc]

According to GM heritage information the 283 Trademaster and Super Taskmaster engines were available in 1957 in the heavier trucks. Doesn't mention them in the 3100 series, only the 6 cylinder 235.

[mr48chev]

As far as I know the 283 was available in both cars and trucks from day one of 57 production. The 265 was available as an option and maybe more readily available at the start of the year.

I was an 11 year old car freak when they came out turning 11 in November of 56 and remember going down to the local dealer to see the new 57's on the first day they were on display. Older guys remember that the dealers would hide the new models in the back not showing them until he morning that they officially went up for sale. Show room windows covered up until the dealership opened and a it was a big deal. that was up though the 70's for most brands.

[reichdav]

I was 12 the summer of '56 and remember well the anticipation of unveiling the new models that fall. My dad had bought a new Studebaker Commander (V8) 3 speed with O/D that year. The '57 Chevy blew me away! Still does. Thanks for the replies.

[reichdav]

My recollection is that the early '57 autos had the 265 and the later ones had the 283, but at my age recollection is not always right.

[reichdav]

BobinBC - My 1957 shop manual and assembly manual both show V8s but I'm not home right now to see if they give displacement. It's more a curiosity than anything. And I agree with you on the big trucks. Thanks

[bobinbc]

I have an original 57 shop manual too, never even thought to check! I'm working on a few wiring glitches on my 57 right now, manual is coming in very handy!

[1project2many]

Light duty 1957 TF trucks received a 265. 283 was available in 5000 series and up. The links and information I've provided in these threads may be interesting reading.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697464
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=775741

265 was not available as a truck RPO in 1958.

In 1957 passenger cars the 265 was available as standard equipment with manual transmission. Forum talk and old service bulletins say early 265's were painted chartreuse, not orange.

[hogfarm]

My original 58 half ton fleetside came with a 348 V8

My ‘58 3100 came with 283 V8, I know this is an original V8 truck because the the front motor mounts are riveted in and I also saw “ V8 “ written on the firewall when I restored it. I’m assuming that’s original?

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by hogfarm

My original 58 half ton fleetside came with a 348 V8

I don’t THINK they could be ordered with a 348 unless maybe it is not a 3100. My Dad’s ‘59 long Fleetside came with a 235 that he swapped in a 283 and later a 348. Ran like stink after that but as far as I know they never came with that engine in the half ton.

[hogfarm]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I don’t THINK they could be ordered with a 348 unless maybe it is not a 3100. My Dad’s ‘59 long Fleetside came with a 235 that he swapped in a 283 and later a 348. Ran like stink after that but as far as I know they never came with that engine in the half ton.

Well who knows,I had a 58 short fleetside 1/2 ton truck,that I bought about 1978,the same year as my son was born.Drove it for a couple years,it had a 348

[1project2many]

My original 58 half ton fleetside came with a 348 V8

Interesting. I had no idea the 1/2 ton could be ordered with that engine.

My ‘58 3100 came with 283 V8, I know this is an original V8 truck because the the front motor mounts are riveted in and I also saw “ V8 “ written on the firewall when I restored it. I’m assuming that’s original?

Possibly. What is the first letter/number of your VIN? What is the two letter code on the block pad in front of the RH cylinder head?

[1project2many]

My original 58 half ton fleetside

Ahh... I think I see where my confusion comes from.

"My first (original) 58 half ton fleetside...

Is not the same as

"My factory original 58 half ton fleetside

It would still be neat to figure out if the 348's were available in a 1/2 ton.