The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 to 235 interchangeability -- Intake/Exh maifolds

I removed the 235 head from the 1953 hydraulic engine --head number was xxx5913 -- engine may have been rebuilt in its life or maybe a valve job, dunno, but not lately. Very carboned up. I will cleanup the pistons and the head surface. I will use the 261 head which had been refreshed. I have 6 stubborn lifters to remove yet including both of the collapsed lifers #4 and #11 from front. Some lifters had been replaced. I willl replace all as I have a new gimme set of hydraulics for a 235. Lifter wear seems negligible on old and new --maybe a stove bolt thing.


? Will a 216 intake and exhaust manifold interchange with a 235? Gaskets seem to match.



Also I will run a hotter plug when I figure out what one is.

hi,
i'm not sure about the 261 engines, but
I put my 1950 216 manifolds onto my temporary donor 1953 235 engine to continue using the truck while i rebuild my original 216.
the 216 manifold alignment rings are too sloppy for the larger 235 head ports, and the 235 alignment rings won't fit into the 216 head,
so i left them out, the gaskets seal up everything sufficiently well for me.
i don't see why one couldn't interchange any combination of heads and manifolds as long as the holes and bolts line up.

individual exhaust and intake manifolds for 216 engines with 2-3/4 carb bolt spacing will not interchange with 235 engines 3 inch carb bolt spacing.
so you have to swap the intake and exhaust manifolds as a set, which is easier because separating the two manifolds is usually a pain as all mine are rusted together as a solid unit

Adapter alignment rings are available.🛠

Running a cam/lifter combo that didn't start out life as a new, properly run/in assembly is risky at best and catastrophic at worst. Doing it with used parts almost guarantees bad results. You can probably expect very short camshaft life. Use a magnetic base dial indicator to check the cam lobe lift on all the lobes before doing anything else. As long as you use the right manifold adapter rings, things should bolt up OK.
Jerry

Make sure when bolting manifolds to engine to loosen ex/intake manifold bolts first, then tighten manifold to head bolts first before tightening manifold bolts.

Manifold adapter rings are easily made with exhaust pipe pieces from pipe larger than suspect rings, cut to length, and remove pieces until rings fit.

Ed

HL, yea been there on keeping them matched on used and using all new with proper breakin. However in this case the repair is within the truck, lifters were given to me in a pile. If the engine needs to come out, it will not go back in, I have a complete good running 1949 216 that could be used or go small block and a np420 or auto. I realize pedal mods would be necessary if v8. I fabricate.

I did inspect the existing hydraulic cam and all lobes are present. I will use temp dowels to reset 261 head with the help of my 2 point lift arms. I backed off the 2 collapsed lifters on the rockers and will slowly tighten the rocker assembly down with its existing settings for startup. I soaked the lifters all nite in oil.

I am using a Felpro fabric head gasket but will use some indian head around the pushrod holes. I am not sure if any head bolts are into the water jacket -- looks like not -- but I will lightly indian head the threads on the 4 corners. All are cleaned but will lightly use some trans fluid on all others. 3 rounds of torqueing to 95ft lbs in proper order.

I do have one long head bolt off the 261 that has the oiling hole for a 58 up. The 261 block is a 1954 and should not be needed. Let me know if any one wants that long head bolt for use or collection. Not a for sale --just shipping or not. Will see if more than one.

Ed, will heed your advice. Thanks 2many and Just and all.

Please let me know if other head bolts need sealer.

I like to use Permatex Super 300 brush-on sealer as a thread lube and sealant. Indian Head shellac sets up like concrete once it dries, while the Permatex stays pliable for years. Personal choice- - - - -"your mileage may vary!"
Jerry

I just enjoy cracking open the lids and just sniff either of those. They smell very similar to each other, like victory!

That explains a lot . . .

What spark plugs are you running in your 235's? Champion J8C, AC R43, Autolite 303 or other?

I will reuse the 235 intake/exhaust manifold after I cleanup, blast, and coat. Has one exhaust stud hole drilled out for a thru bolt but I have seen worse.




Maybe more alcohol and less glue or more of both. 8-)

The "small" (S.A.E. #2) 2 bolt carburetor flange for all 216 and early 235 is 2-11/16" on centers.
The "large" (S.A.E. #3) flange for later 235 and all 261 is 2-15/16".
Easier to measure: IIRC the studs are 5/16", so the outside distance across the flanges is 3" and 3-1/4".

Ed Pruss, I did not know exactly what you were talking about on tightening the intake with exhaust loose. ---I do now.--- Thanks for the advice.

HL -- Napa in this region did not stock the Permtex 300 Super -- go figure. Will check Walmart.

Cleaning oem lifters is relatively easy --- just don't lose that itty bitty check spring under the ball. Monday I will restart and see if all the newer lifters have pumped up. The newer lifters have no bleed hole in the top but did soak in overnite in a butter bowl of 5w-30. I run straight 30w in the truck.

Group is taking a cruise to Greenbo lake state park today --wife and I are driving the 70 442.

Try ebay for Super 300- - - -that's where I get mine.
Jerry