The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Swapping 216 for 235 in 1951 Chevy Truck

I have a 235 from a 59 car in my 52 1/2 ton and it is an excellent choice to replace you tired old 216, gaining you 40-50 HP. Many others on this site have done this exact replacement.

• The bellhousing, tranny and flywheel will bolt right on giving you your rear engine mounts. If the engine is from a car with an automatic tranny, you will need to install a pilot bushing. You can buy ones specifically made for this.
• The front engine mount from your 216 with also work with a minor mod.
• The water pump is only an issue on 54-62 235’s (Earlier 235 are an exact replacement, however are also not full oil pressure engines). There are two ways to address this issue. The first is to buy a short water pump made specifically for this purpose. (If you have the equipment and skills, you can do this mod yourself). The drawback to this approach is the fan is located lower on the radiator which does effect cooling. It may be an issue in Georgia. The second is to use an adaptor plate invented by a fellow member Pre '68 Dave designed and offers a pump relocation kit that will put the water pump in the correct "sweet" spot. Check out his website [chev235guy.blogspot.com] for a ton of great info on 216/235's, the relocation kit and info on drilling the front timing plate for the front engine mount! I installed his kit on my ’59 235 and it was fairly easy. His email is [email protected]