Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 55 Block

[TWhitfill]

While changing oil I checked to see if the famous 53 was stamped on the block. To my delight it wasn't, but 55 was. What does that stand for? thanks for any input.

 

[rkressg]

I am certian it stands for more, but the number is the casting series in the block.
I can not remember clearly, but the 53 block was cast in Brazil and the 55 was cast in Mexico.

The 53 blocks have a slightly thinner wall in the casting in the exhaust side of the block back between #5 and #6. This is where the blocks crack. The 55 blocks are built slightly heavier, resulting in almost no instances of failed blocks under "normal" conditions.

 

[PRout]

Seems to me I read the 55 was one of the toughest blocks made, but could just be delirious. (been awhile)

 

[Doughboy21kd]

I thought I read somewhere that the 56 was the better block. Who knows

 

[PRout]

I thought I read somewhere that the 56 was the better block. Who knows

You could be right. . Per the following "hearsay info" it appears both the 55 & 56 are ok. .

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ission/154859-5-9-block-best.html#post1470952

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...hort-block-ditching-53-block.html#post1474944

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...02/66346-2001-cracked-block-2.html#post596245

 

[SHobbs]

I read an article once, have to locate it about these blocks. The 55 and 56 ain't nothing. What I read mentioned blocks with a bunch of small numbers that are heard to read, these are what they call the " Big Kahuna . " Wonder if any of those are out there.



Can't believe I found it

1. Brazilian Blocks are cast by a company named "TUPY" and are marked such. They are identified with cast evolution numbers. #53's are TUPY's. #54 and later evolutions were improved to correct the block issues that the 53's had.

2. Mexican Blocks were made by "Teksid" these blocks to my knowledge never had a problem with cracking, as they are heavier duty by trait, but they did follow the evolutions and got thicker. These blocks do not have the 2 digit "cast number" embossed on the side, instead a series of numbers that are unidentifiable to me. The Mexican blocks were rumored to even be harder to machine do to a harder cast overall, basically better quality in my opinion.



Brazilian Tupys always seem to outnumber Mexican blocks during the ISB's production probably about 8 to 1. So basically if there is a pattern number its Brazilian, if there is a series of small numbers its Mexican.



By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!

 

[PRout]

The 55 and 56 ain't nothing.
By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!

Your info above was already addressed in post #8 of the 3rd link of my previous post. .

I have to disagree that "The 55 & 56 aint nothing. " Actually they are "fixed" blocks.

The 54, 55 & 56 blocks were subsequent improvements to the 53. They had double the material thickness of the walls of the 53 (6mm vs 12mm walls for the later numbers). This is stated in post #103 of the 3rd link I posted.

The problem blocks were 53's, not 55 or 56.

 

[SHobbs]

I know where the problem is heck I have one. If the 55 and 56 is supposed to be strong and then there is another out there that is stronger then yes they are nothing compared to that. I wonder what the difference is in what they call " The big boy. "

It has been posted that mating the Cummins top end to an IH block is supposed to be a great combination for strength. Wonder where one can find an IH block?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!

YUP - that's what's in my '02...



Harder blocks supposedly last longer, GM, and probably others, used them in their upper $$$ engine castings, like the Cadillacs - higher nickel content as I recall, for better wear resistance. Dunno what the "harder" blocks like mine actually deliver, but hoping it's a 2 million mile one, instead of a paltry 1 million miles... :-laf:-laf

 

[PRout]

While changing oil I checked to see if the famous 53 was stamped on the block. To my delight it wasn't, but 55 was. What does that stand for? thanks for any input.

According to SHobbs it stands for "Nothing" (he should know)

Even though they are not having the high crack rate the 53 is experiencing. Since they were the "Fixed" blocks after the 53 series.

It has been posted that mating the Cummins top end to an IH block is supposed to be a great combination for strength. Wonder where one can find an IH block?

Nice info but I dont think too many of owners with 55 or 56 blocks will be tearing down to mate to an IH block (unless they are building 1k HP trucks. )

Since we are all talking about what blocks we have, mine is a mexican block with hieroglyphics on the side also. . Im sure not tearing mine down to mate it to an IH block when it's mating just fine right now thank you.

 

[SHobbs]

I was wondering about the IH block for those like myself that have "53" blocks and face the potential block failure.

 

[RJWEST]

Call me Big Kahuna

 

[PRout]

I was wondering about the IH block for those like myself that have "53" blocks and face the potential block failure.

ahhhhh - Good point. Well, you've still got a good rig that definitely is worth fixing the motor (if it actually comes to that). .

In the last 2 months, Ive received offers from 2 different dealers to buy my truck for almost reasonable prices, without any obligation to buy a new one. Must be a reason. .