Attn. 265 Racers.What block is the best?

[Terry Cain]

Originally Posted by Lyn Smith

I would love to have a picture of one of those blocks.I had a Corvette guy( He claims to have thousands of sbc blocks) in Detroit tell me that there was" never a 265 block made with side mounts".He wants thousands for some of the 265 blocks he has,and they are not even dated for an early Vette.

Hmmm, Let me guess. Tracy is his name? i would think the 548 blocks would be good and are available. I sold all mine (I think).

[Lyn Smith]

Here is what Mr.Bill Jenkins said about 265 blocks in his 1971 Chevy Power Guide."In the case of the 3-3/4 inch bore blocks,the best one to use is the original 1957 castings.These 57 blocks featured a heavier top deck or head surface for better strength and optimum gasket sealing. They also had the constant feed lifter gallery oiling,which is more desiable."

[Alan Nyhus]

Lyn, not sure where the budget is, but a sleeved pre '68 327 would be a great way to go. A savvy machine shop will have access to sleeves that are reasonably priced.

Neat project and car. -Al

[carl hinkson]

I have a 57 block that ends with the letter C that has been magged and cleaned, Also have a brand new small journal 3 inch stroke crank.

57 blocks had no side motor mounts.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by carl hinkson

I have a 57 block that ends with the letter C that has been magged and cleaned, Also have a brand new small journal 3 inch stroke crank.

57 blocks had no side motor mounts.

Side mounts did not show up until 1958.

[55 Chevy]

The block I run in mine is a 3720991(1956 number) but it has the neoprene rear main seal so it must have been a service replacement unit. No side mounts.

The '57 265 is a 3731548 and the number on the passenger side(on the pad in front of the head) can be either a "C,CD or CE". Mine is a "CD" which I believe meant it came with a 3 speed overdrive manual transmission. The car it came out was a 2 door wagon.
I think "CE" meant heavy duty clutch.

I call it a "Poor Man's" Bow Tie block.

Crank is part #3735236.

None of the 265's I own have side mounts.

[55 Chevy]

Originally Posted by Painter

In 1959 there were some replacement 265 motors built for trucks. They were truly 283 blocks not bored all the way, reat thick walls and a neoprene rear seal. We found one. Good luck!

Do you happen to know what the part number was?

[Bruce Witherspoon]

https://lansing.craigslist.org/pts/d...780189148.html.

[Lyn Smith]

Thanks for the link Bruce.I have seen 265 blocks/ complete engines from $100. to $1399. Depends on if it is for a Corvette or not.LOL I have a line on a 548 block that the owner says sonics .300 on the thrust side.Hope to get that one.Thanks everyone for all the info, and interest.I will let you know how it turns out.Will post build on the Racer Build Up thread.

[Monte Howard]

Lyn a friend of mine has some 265 engine parts for sale. 991 block, heads, crank and manifold. I told him to look you up on here. His name is Rob Fisher