[Bob Carriere]

Gudday Jim

If you are referring to changing the 216 for a modern mid 50 Chev 235 engine it's a piece of cake. The 235 will bolt right on to the bellhousing. Everything will fit in existing holes and location.

You will need to decide if you are keeping the 216 flywheel and starter ot switch to the 235 flywheel and starter..... they are usually matched...ex: the 6 volt origianl 216 starter will not engage well on the 235 flywheel and vice versa. The good news is that the flywheel are also interchangeable.

Once you have both engine on the floor...... check the flywheel of both and compare to see if the 235 doesn't have more weight and a larger clutch plate... if you are lucky your 235 might come form a larger truck and uses a 10.5 or 11 inch clutch diameter.... and the flywheel is also heavier therby storing more inertia.... if you do have the larger one You might want keep it has it will improve the performance. The old bellhousing will accommodate either. ...... and get a new throw out bearing while at it.....

Lenght wise the engine are very similar....but the 235 water pump, if it is a later model will have the longer/larger in block water pump which will NOT allow the radiator to fit...... there are adapter plates available that will allow you to re-instal your 216 water pump on the 235..... the adapter plate will give you the needed clearance for the fan lenght wise and will raise and better center the fan location.

If your 235 has the car/light truck side motor mount you will need to remove the front plate and drill it for the typical front mount location similar to the 216.

Keep your original tranny.... this way you have no headaches with re attaching the short driveshaft to the T-case.

Good luck..... keep us posted of your progress with pictures.....most of us can't read so we enjoy the pictures.

BooB
If your 235 is in reasonable shape you will have an increase of about 35% on torque and and HP.