The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '54 235 a good swap?

I will soon be buying and rebuilding a '54 235 for my '46 1/2 ton. Is this a desirious (is that a word?) swap? I hear all about the '55 and up 235's but not much about the '54. Is is not a full pressure oiler?

Thanks

I'll confirm what Ralphy said.

The '54 pickup 235 is the best possible choice to fit an earlier Chevy. Full pressure oil and length are the biggest reasons. I recently sold one, and at a swap meet everyone who looked at it sang the virtues of the '54 pickup 235.

None of them bought it, I sold it online to another truck guy.

That would be me!

OldSub, good to see you. this is my other favorite board.

For anyone interested here\'s a pic of the Old Sub behind "OldSub"

cheers

I wish I would of used the 54 235 in my 37 as it will fit with no modifications,it has the same style of waterpump as the 216. You can use the original style fan,the 55-62 motors use a longer waterpump. Shortened pumps are available but put the fan lower than where it should be if you can use it at all,I had to use a electric in my 37. The 54 motor is the perfect one for the pre 47s.

Hey 41ChevyTrucker nice to bump into you somewhere new. This board seems pretty close to what I like to play with, so I expect to hang around here often!

I bought one that was rebuilt buy P.O. He also ran it about 10 minutes and it stoped. He had 1300 into it but did not know in 54 the mains were SHIMED. I got a new oil pump, cam, lifters, fuil pump,clutch and a rebuid head for 150 frog skins. If it has been run, good if not make for sure it has been shimed on the main bearings, If not, it could ruin the block crank and you could have some nice parts for a good block. F.Y I. I rebuilt one in the 80s and it was a piece O cake. After 500 miles I drove it from Wa. to Ca. no problems other than the wife. It's a dog on good motor.

I plan on having the new '54 rebuilt first. Lets say the eng conmes with out a waterpump, fan and fuelpump, can I reuse these items off my 216? And I can reuse the 216 bellhousing and fly wheel right?

Thanks

Itza46 - I'm not sure about the water pump, but the fuel pump can be used if it is in good condition, or you can get a replacement at NAPA for about $20.

As for the bellhousing & flywheel, you will defintely want to use those if you are going to keep the orig. trans and driveline. This allow you to use the original break/clutch pedal assembly and the starter off the 216. all these will bolt right up to the 235.

Go for the swap you'll be glad yu did.

George