Re: Utica Engine Number Prefixes

Posted by HH56 On 2012/1/17 11:54:32

I would like to know the size for the crate motor (206) and if it will fit in the 400.

Finding the size may prove to be difficult. I don't recall mention of any reference to V8 service engine numbers but I hope someone proves me wrong.

A couple of bulletins said engines for service were not stamped with Utica numbers. I take that to mean the normal letter identifier of the Utica number is not there. If so, the guess as to size in correlation to model it was destined for is of no help. Replacement engines were sold by the factory part numbers which sometimes have no relationship to anything you can cross reference today.


I believe it was determined some time back that the casting number is not a reliable indicator but just on the offchance it is, compare the two. I have two 374 engines and the number 440971 is cast in the middle top of bellhousing at rear of engine. I believe the castings were the same for 352 and 374 and if so, no help.

The engine itself will fit but obviously the CID will be a disappointment if it's the smaller engine and you want to keep as original as possible. Studebaker made matters worse in 1960 by offering a surplus of 352 service engines to the dealers at a firesale price. As mentioned in bulletin 350 they advised dealers to offer the smaller engines as replacements for 374s if the customers wanted to save money on an engine replacement. I would imagine a lot of those smaller crate engines might have moved into dealer stock at the low price and still pop up today.

EDIT: PV8s question on casting date is good. Mine are 10-4-55 and 10-11or17-55