Re: Engine Numbers for '38 4-dr Touring Sedan

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2011/4/5 22:35:36

The number you found on the head is a casting number (not a part number, but numerically close) and the 288 that follows it means the head is from a 288, which could not be earlier than 1948 (22nd series). Lots of cylinder head interchange so that doesn't fully identify the motor, but the motor # will.

The 257 engine was the 1935 "120", then enlarged to 282 the next year. With the beginning of the 22nd series the 282 was dropped and the 288 was introduced which was not a bored 282 but an entirely new and lengthened engine block. "M" series motors are 1954, M-4XX,XXX would be a 327 cubic inch "Cavalier" engine, 5-main bearings, hydraulic lifters, 4-bbl carb.