M37 engines..

Discuss fixes, upgrades and modifications to your M37

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jim lee
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M37 engines..

Post by jim lee »

I've been told my M37 is a 1953 model. How do I find the type of engine this is for when I'm out gathering parts? I measured the block/head length and it was less than 25" by a bit. Does this mean its probably a 230?

Thanks!

-jim lee
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w30bob
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Re: M37 engines..

Post by w30bob »

Hi Jim,

I'm no expert, but according the VPW the 230 head should be around 23 1/4" and the 251 should be 25 1/4"...so if yours isn't at least 25" long it's not a 251....it's a 230.

regards,
bob
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Re: M37 engines..

Post by T. Highway »

Jim,

Left hand side of the block, about 4 inches back from the front edge it should have the serial number after the engine type (T245).

Bert
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Re: M37 engines..

Post by PoW »

Without exception, all original G741 engines have one unique feature:

The oil filler pipe bolts to the block at the bottom via a two-bolt flange.

Civvy (and PW engines) use a press-fit tube.

You can instantly tell what displacement your truck has in it by looking at the front motor mount where it bolts to the front crossmember. If it lands on two "L" brackets, it is a 218/230/237. If it lands on the member proper, it is a 250/265.

218's were all car engines. 237's were industrial models. 265's were the biggie from Chryslers & DeSotos.

Canadian G741's came with the 250.

Dennis

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Re: M37 engines..

Post by m37jarhead »

Dennis is correct. The oil fill tube gives you the first clue.
Length of the block/head is the second.
The front motor mounts on my 251 c.i. are inches ahead of the standard "L" bracket on the
frame. The mounts actually sit on the crossmember. My engine block number starts
with a "C". Near as I can figure it came out of a Chrysler Windsor about 1953.
Now that the truck is running again I can tell you the 251 pulls out of the hole a
lot better than other 230's that I've driven. I'm not looking for an increase in top
speed, I just want to get to 45 MPH a little faster and be able to pull mountain
grades at a faster speed. So far.... so good.
Jerry
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