1955 Engine Questions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 64
From: Nichols Florida
1955 Engine Questions
I have an opportunity to buy a 55 project car. Frame done all chrome done. Missing a few engine shielding items. Body stripped ready for paint, shows only minor body work done in past. Thinks the motor & trans(3 speed) is correct but not sure what to look for. Engine was rebuilt while out of car. Its a 48k miles original car.
What do I need to look at for correct engine/trans #s
Tyler
What do I need to look at for correct engine/trans #s
Tyler
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 2
From: Hudson North Carolina
I have an opportunity to buy a 55 project car. Frame done all chrome done. Missing a few engine shielding items. Body stripped ready for paint, shows only minor body work done in past. Thinks the motor & trans(3 speed) is correct but not sure what to look for. Engine was rebuilt while out of car. Its a 48k miles original car.
What do I need to look at for correct engine/trans #s
Tyler
What do I need to look at for correct engine/trans #s
Tyler
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 64
From: Nichols Florida
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,048
Likes: 5
From: "cutesy" TN
Lots and lots of one year only items on a 1955. 
You need to contact Roy Braatz (1955 copper). http://forums.corvetteforum.com/member.php?u=223535
Try E-mailing him.
You need to contact Roy Braatz (1955 copper). http://forums.corvetteforum.com/member.php?u=223535
Try E-mailing him.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 541
Likes: 2
From: Sparks Nevada
Tyler, I'm rebuilding a '55 as well, Powerglide (cast iron) should be the trans... There are a lot of "one off" parts on a '55, so if you are looking for a car that will be judged, make sure you have most, if not all the parts. You can find ignition shielding, plug wire guides and other rare parts used or in repro, but they are costly. If you are looking for a driver, that is another story. It will depend on your final intention for the car, the base price of the car and what you are willing to spend on restoration... If you look at it as an investment, do the math first and see what you can actually get for it completed. I have had mine for 25+ years and started a body off rebuild a year and a half ago, slow going as I'm doing 90% of it myself.
My email is: malander@sbcglobal.net if you have any specific questions. Roy is a super source of info and contacts, I rely on him for the straight scoop, his car is very nice. The '53 -'55 group is small, but VERY helpful. Corvette by the Numbers has specifics on drivline part numbers, the C1 registry can give you an estimated build date so you can determine parts needed...
Mike
My email is: malander@sbcglobal.net if you have any specific questions. Roy is a super source of info and contacts, I rely on him for the straight scoop, his car is very nice. The '53 -'55 group is small, but VERY helpful. Corvette by the Numbers has specifics on drivline part numbers, the C1 registry can give you an estimated build date so you can determine parts needed...
Mike
Last edited by ml1955; May 1, 2007 at 12:24 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,641
Likes: 4,687
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C1 of the Year Finalist
The facts and stats on 55 Vette engines are not firm. But, it appears highly probable that maybe 10 55 6cly cars were built, all were PG and the 6cyl cars retained the 6volt elec system.
The V8 cars got a 12volt system, and, it appears that very probably there were about 75 cars that received a 3sp tranny. Noland Adams has accumulated some very credible documentation to support the 75 3sp quantity.
Without question, there WERE some 55 Vettes that got V8/3sp (that's widely accepted), its just that the EXACT quantity is not firm.
Noland's information is certainly not gospel, but to date, it seems to be the best.
Also, for 55, there was only ONE version of the V8 with a single 4bl carb.
The V8 cars got a 12volt system, and, it appears that very probably there were about 75 cars that received a 3sp tranny. Noland Adams has accumulated some very credible documentation to support the 75 3sp quantity.
Without question, there WERE some 55 Vettes that got V8/3sp (that's widely accepted), its just that the EXACT quantity is not firm.
Noland's information is certainly not gospel, but to date, it seems to be the best.
Also, for 55, there was only ONE version of the V8 with a single 4bl carb.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 642
From: Bandera Texas
Dave Ferguson
Dave is another super source for 53-55 info . He is the former Team Leader at NCRS and has owned / still owns many of these cars. He also is a hands on restorer. Send me a PM and I will be happy to give you his email and phone.
. He is the former Team Leader at NCRS and has owned / still owns many of these cars. He also is a hands on restorer. Send me a PM and I will be happy to give you his email and phone.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 64
From: Nichols Florida
OK looked at the car but forgot the camera, duh. The engine pad has 0206725 T55F
casting # 3703524
Trans has:
GM
5
8845122
F656
Lots of stuff in boxes and marked, most of the chrome has been redone. To the uninformed (me) the body sure looks rough but no breaks or cracks. Frame has been blasted and painted with no pitting or rust.
To me the shifter glasswork looks stock as does the petals. Pictures this weekend.
Tyler
casting # 3703524
Trans has:
GM
5
8845122
F656
Lots of stuff in boxes and marked, most of the chrome has been redone. To the uninformed (me) the body sure looks rough but no breaks or cracks. Frame has been blasted and painted with no pitting or rust.
To me the shifter glasswork looks stock as does the petals. Pictures this weekend.
Tyler
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 549
Likes: 3
OK looked at the car but forgot the camera, duh. The engine pad has 0206725 T55F
casting # 3703524
Trans has:
GM
5
8845122
F656
Lots of stuff in boxes and marked, most of the chrome has been redone. To the uninformed (me) the body sure looks rough but no breaks or cracks. Frame has been blasted and painted with no pitting or rust.
To me the shifter glasswork looks stock as does the petals. Pictures this weekend.
Tyler
casting # 3703524
Trans has:
GM
5
8845122
F656
Lots of stuff in boxes and marked, most of the chrome has been redone. To the uninformed (me) the body sure looks rough but no breaks or cracks. Frame has been blasted and painted with no pitting or rust.
To me the shifter glasswork looks stock as does the petals. Pictures this weekend.
Tyler
The engine pad indicates a early Tonawanda 55 for a pass car with 2bbl @ pg. By memory I believe that the 3 speeds were in the late 600 range. Look forward to seeing you and Sebring Bill at the Bloomington Gold Special Collection. Locke has put together what will be the finest 57 Corvette event of this century.
Regards
