Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,076 Posts1,055,920 Members48,429 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 224 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 224 | just bought a '50 with a blown 235 , have located a 230 & a 235 same price whats the ideal one to use , Thanks
" STUCK IN THE '50'S "
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | The 235 would be a bolt in, at least with a minimal amount of work. To put the 230 in would require a considerable amount of fabrication, the motor mounts are different, bellhousing is different to name a couple things. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 224 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 224 | Did not know any of that .... Thank you .... it's the 235....
" STUCK IN THE '50'S "
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 | I hate when people say it takes a considerable amount of fabrication... it doesn't!!!
I just switched from a 235 to a 230 in my 54 3100. The ONLY thing that needed fabricated was a front engine mount... which was pretty darn simple! I didn't have to move the radiator, or change the bellhousing crossmember or anything.
To use a 230... need to fab a front engine mount, and you need the bellhousing that goes with that engine (has a V8 pattern to attach to the motor i believe). The bellhousing uses the same crossmember mounting locations/angles as the 54/55 1st. Now thats only if you're using a manual transmission... an automatic would take a bit more work.
Last edited by GMJager; 04/15/2014 11:21 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | 1954 happens to be a much easier swap than a 1950. This is due to being the first year to use the new angle mounts on the bellhousing. That mount design is the same as the 230 and many other newer style engines.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 | 1954 happens to be a much easier swap than a 1950. This is due to being the first year to use the new angle mounts on the bellhousing. That mount design is the same as the 230 and many other newer style engines. Ah. I stand corrected. I was looking at the name for the type of truck, not the post (whoops!). But still! just some careful measuring, cutting, and welding of that crossmember and he'd be good to go! I know I saw it somewhere on here a while ago. But, I still stand corrected! I need to pay closer attention about the details!
Last edited by GMJager; 04/15/2014 11:59 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 224 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 224 | giving the same , which engine is better ????
" STUCK IN THE '50'S "
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | 230 is a 7 main bearing engine with individual rockers(no shafts). It is a much more advanced engine design. I like 235's though.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 | if you're going for originality... the 235 is better. the 230 is newer (not ALWAYS better), has 7 main bearing caps vs 4 main bearing caps... makes it a little more comfortable at sustained higher RPMS, the 230 has a bit more HP (I've seen it rated from 140-155), the 230 has an integrated full flow oil filter, versus a bypass filter, and I'm sure there are many more differences (but I'm no expert).
It all depends on what you want for that truck. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,453 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,453 | 230 is a 7 main bearing engine with individual rockers(no shafts). It is a much more advanced engine design. I like 235's though. I'm with you on that Dave!
BC 1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc 1949 GMC 250 project in waiting 1960 C60 pasture art Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022 | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,922 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,922 | with individual rockers(no shafts) = cheaper. | | |
| |