Is there a shortage of 216 Engines?

[gazzaw]

Thanks for replies Guys,

Yes been searching for some time now and 1 we bought (unseen but promised it was ok) from South of England had a 14 inch crack along the casing and another (a 235) we went down to Staffordshire to collect although looked same had wrong hole pattern in crankshaft for flywheel and the castings all different for bellhousing attachment etc (this one will be resold for hot rodders if possible)

Am toying with fully stripping original (it was rebuilt in Holland in 50s with a VEGE plate on it) but it is leaking coolant into exhaust ports/manifold/ into exhaust. Suspect internal crack or leak in a place that can't be got at. It was running fine but one of our regular drivers roasted the enging and we had head checked, refurbed and ceramic lined etc but after putting it all togther it was still found to be leaking - hence need for another engine - can't see from pistons if standard or oversized so might need to get them scoped for actual sizes then look for a block etc.

Will look at putting ads into milweb and mags, had emailed Dirk on many occasions to but never got a reply.

Gary

[Mike K]

I used to correspond ( by snail mail , before this internet came along ) with a Chevy C8 restorer who lived up near Lancaster in the NE of England . From what he told me , Chev 216 engines and parts are not exactly common in the UK . I sent him a few items but he was always asking for any 216 parts , ancillaries like carbies, water pumps etc. He got a set of the UPTONS of Corowa pistons too . Remember the crates of them they had . MIKE

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Gary

Sorry you got burned getting the wrong engine size/model. ALL 235 and 261 6 cyl. GM engines should bolt right up to the 216 bellhousing... you might have a later 1960 era 230 or 250 6 cyl..... totally a different casting.

If the crankshaft was designed for an automatic transmission it may not be drilled for a typical flywheel but can be drilled by a machine shop while the engine is getting rebuilt....also will need a pilot bearing/bushing insert in the rear of the crank to support the tranny input shaft.

Consider ahving your old block properly magnaflux .... it should tell you where the leak is and whether it can be pinned and welded.

Be persistant with Dirk .... is regular business keeps him very busy .... he might be able to import a good Canadian block for you in his occasional container shipment from Canada.

Maybe we should consider filling up a sea container full of GM 216/235/261 and see if we can make some money.....hahaha

Don't give up yet.... half the fun is in the chase !!!!!

Bob

[gazzaw]

Thanks Bob (and others)

Yes one will turn up, am chasing one at moment but promised photos of it still to materialise- at least it is in UK but on south coast.

Really want to get the wrecker on road again as it's been too long (2 years now) and fear that rest of components will deteriorate with non use etc. will keep you posted

Gary

[Bob Carriere]

..... get the serial numbers and casting numbers..... post them on the web and search the serial numbers both on the block and on the head.....

Good luck

Bob