Engine replacement

[Bob Carriere]

For purist accurate restoration go for the 216....

For ease of rebuilding. more power and fun of driving go for the 235.

Cheers

[motto]

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

For purist accurate restoration go for the 216....

For ease of rebuilding. more power and fun of driving go for the 235.

Which 235 are you referring to Bob? There would be little difference between rebuilding a 216 and a first series (WW2) 235 as many parts interchange and construction is identical.

David

[Phil Waterman]

Originally Posted by motto

Which 235 are you referring to Bob? There would be little difference between rebuilding a 216 and a first series (WW2) 235 as many parts interchange and construction is identical.

Hi Dave

Good point, people definitely want to look for the later 235 with better lubrication system.

But if all you can find is the early 235 and the price is right it is better than nothing, by a long shot.

Cheers Phil

[Markwin Serlui]

Hi,

Thanks for the input!

[George McKenzie]

I changed a 216 to a 235 and i had to move the rad .I think the water pump was the problem and not the block it self

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by George McKenzie

I changed a 216 to a 235 and i had to move the rad .I think the water pump was the problem and not the block it self

Hello Markwin, George and Others,

I have a 216 that I was told had seen better days before the whole vehicle came home after I originally bought it in another town about five hours drive away from me. So I went ahead and bought a fully pressurised oiling "Blue Flame" 235.

I also did some research about the issue of the 235 water pump being too long. From memory one of the USA Old Chevrolet parts suppliers provide a compact version of the 235 water pump so the radiator does not need to be moved. It is sold by Bowtie Bits http://www.bowtiebits.com/store/stor...Category_ID=36 I have no connection to the retailer or the manufacturer.

After a quick online check I found a different supplier who makes an adaptor available on eBay - I have no connection to the seller. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1962-CH...4eyFBg&vxp=mtr.

See there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Bob Carriere]

For the record when I say 235 cu. in. engine I mean a full oil pressure block.

The 235 will fit and bolt right in BUT...... the water pump is the issue.

first you need the extra clearance near the front / rad location....

second issue is the 235 water pump installed inside the face of the 235 block is TOO low in relationship to the radiator and reduces cooling efficiency.

The best solution is to install a 216 water pump using the $40 dollarsadapter plate available on EBay. It allows the external 216 pump to be mounted on the 235 at a higher location more centred on the radiator face and gives you the clearance needed. The scary part for a lot of rebuilders is that the adapter plate requires to drill a couple of holes in the block face and tap them....... with care it can be done quite safely...... and it is far easier to do if the engine block is outside the truck.

Once the process is done, it is neat and professional looking and only a very well informed observer would notice the difference.

Bob C.