Hey guys! It's been a while since I've posted, but I've got a 1951 2-ton Chevrolet grain truck that I still use on the farm for hauling wheat in the summer and fall. Been in the family since nearly new. In 2018 I adjusted the rod bearings, and none of the shims are left. I was hauling grain this fall when it developed a rod knock so I've got it in the shop for engine work. I think I've got three options, and I'm trying to decide which to pick.
1. Keep and rebuild the original 235 dipper cup engine. I like this idea because I'm a purist (for the most part) so keeping the original engine appeals to me, especially since everyone says the dipper cup engines don't hold up over time. This one lasted 70 years and 93,000 miles hauling 18,000 lbs of grain in every load, and even hauled combines to North Dakota and back to Oklahoma 7 or 8 times. So I'm fairly convinced they hold up.
2. Find and rebuild a full-pressure 235. Most would say this is the best thing to use for longevity under high load conditions.
3. Find and rebuild a 261. I like the idea of this, just for the extra power. Not that the 235 is underpowered, but a little more power never hurt anyone.
Just curious to see what others' opinions are, or any other recommendations.
People also say to drop in a 350, which I know would be cheap and be a horsepower boost, but as a guy told me once, "A 350 is a bellybutton engine...everyone has one". I'd kinda like to stay with the inline 6.
Thanks!
Last edited by 235Kidd; 01/10/2022 9:29 PM.
