What engine is this?

[IndianaJones]

And what vehicle was sold in SA, still powered by a Chev 153 model series engine, in 1984, or 1985?

All your Military vehicles to this day!
None! This engine is not local in any aspect! It is from Nieuw Zeeland. That is why I suspect that Manta is not local

By military vehicles do you mean the Eland/Panhard, or perhaps stationary engines, or which other model? The SADF were starting to replace Elands with the Rooikat since 1984, and production stopped in 1986.

I still find it strange that the engine is from New-Zealand, as assembly plants started closing down over there during the 80's, and I know of not one New-Zealand market car, fitted with the Chev 153 engine during the 80's, and it is unlikely that they would have produced GM 153 stationary engines during that time. And thus would be interested in more of it's history.

Last question, could this be a "Pontiac" Iron Duke engine?

On a sidenote OMC Marine engines are also blue, and were available as a 120hp 2.5L...

Whatever it is, it truly is an interesting example...

[Johann65]

It will be great to trace the exact origin of this engine! and the Manta! I have seen some HO Manta's on Netherland web sites!

[marnus]

This is becoming very interesting

[Johann65]

This is becoming very interesting

This is a side of GM that is not well known! Amazing!!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_New_Zealand

[VetteGP]

Thanks for the feedback.
A little more than what I thought would come from the question, but interestingly eye opening.

[IndianaJones]

After some time spend on the net, I’m pretty sure this engine has a marine block.

Could the “M05202NZ” stamped number, not be decoded as such?
M = GM of Mexico
05 = May
20 = 20th day of the month

2NZ = the engine suffix code
Unfortunately, I can’t find a decode list of the engine suffix codes for 4-cylinder GM engines, but…
http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engine-code-stampings.php
Or 2 = 1982
and NZ = engine type
https://www.perfprotech.com/blog/boat-a ... ne-engines

That would also validate oom Johan's casting date, of April the 13th 1982.

And for reference to the “2770C”, perhaps “27700” code:
http://my.boatus.com/forumv1/forum_posts.asp?TID=45948
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/propul ... -5999.html

[Johann65]

I have come to agree that the engine is a Marine Block! The machining I believe was done in NZ. What would be interesting, is how did it get into the Manta!? I think my fueltank problem can wait a bit and visit Gareth on the other parts mission with my Peugeot!
The plate providing for multiple re-machining tells me it is an industrial motor!!

[bmwmaniac]

whats is the chances this came out of a forklift?

[Johann65]

whats is the chances this came out of a forklift?

Quite Possible!

[IndianaJones]

Undoubtedly they must have been available in forklifts, generators too for that matter, but I've never seen one. Still maintain a marine version is more likely.
I know of a number of forklifts which were previously available in SA, fitted with Continental or Chrysler Industrial flathead engines, though.
But by 1983, I would guess that most forklifts on the market, would be of Japanese origin, as opposed to American origin, and most operators probably had switched to diesel forklifts, unless they specifically wanted to use LPG.