January 2025 (took November and December off except for gathering parts) REBUILDING THE ENGINE
After getting the 235 torn down and salvaging the crank and rods, I decided to use them in the 216, winding up with a full pressure engine displacing about 230 cubic inches. I tracked down pistons with the correct compression height to account for the increased stroke of the 235 crank. Turns out that 1950 Chrysler pistons in 0.080 oversize would be usable in my 216 bored about 0.015 oversize. Since they had piston pins slightly smaller than the 235, I sent a set of pins to the supplier and they fitted the pins to the pistons so the rods would fit correctly. Fortunately the engine had standard pistons, so got the block bored to fit the pistons, and the thrust bearing journal narrowed to fit the 235 bearings. While at the machine shop I had the block machined for a full circle rear main seal. Also got the 235 crank reground to 0.010 undersize and ordered bearings. On Jerry’s (Hotrod Lincoln) advice I got a Melling M29 oil pump and adapted it to the 216. It will provide additional oil volume to support the pressure oiled rod bearings. It needed some changes to the oil pickup tubing.
Last edited by klhansen; 12/10/202512:48 AM.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
