The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Need a deck height dimension- - - -

Does anyone have a specification for the block height on a 216 engine? A 235 has a deck height dimension of 10.875", and it's slightly taller than a 216. I'm tinkering around with some crankshaft stroke, connecting rod length, and block height specifications, and I'd like to have the 216 dimensions handy if possible. Thanks in advance!
Jerry

Funny that you should ask that . I was just looking at a note I had made on a scrap of paper , long lost , and rediscovered under my key board .

10.781"

Thanks! The stroker engines I've got on the drawing board would actually work better with a 216 block, machined to accept a 235 crankshaft by narrowing the thrust bearing surfaces and converted to full-pressure oiling. If I can work out the details, I think it's possible to build a 266 cubic inch engine that looks like a 216!
Jerry

I like the “just because I can” attitude. I’m trying to make a 283 c.i. Chevy run like a blown 426 Hemi.

Cool project Jerry. The 0.094 difference in block height agrees with the 3/16" difference in stroke between the 216 and 235. I hope you build it.

The Carrillo rods I'm using are considerably shorter, and have a smaller rod journal diameter than 216/235 rods, which allows me to increase the stroke of a 235 crankshaft to 4 3/8". It would be necessary to machine the deck height of a 235 block down about 1/8" when using that rod/stroke combination to get the stock pistons close to the top of the block. A 216 block would require a lot less machining. Now, just imagine this- - - -an engine that looks exactly like an original 216 in somebody's stovebolt truck, but actually has 266 cubic inches and around 9:1 compression! Does the word "sleeper" come to mind? BTW- - - -the "Corvette 235" cam can be machined to fit the 216 block by reducing the diameter of the bearing journals, also!
Jerry

I'm playing with another idea- - - -run a de-stroked 283 crankshaft (2 7/8") in a 305 block for approximately 250 cubic inches- - - -roller cam, rev kit, and a projected redline of 8-9K RPM. That one should sound like a bumblebee on steroids, especially in a very lightweight Excalibur roadster!
Jerry

Won't you still have crappy airflow through the head?

I'm not looking for high RPM- - - -a stroker crankshaft in a stovebolt six makes torque, and I don't have to chase that imaginary unicorn the guys with the dual carbs and all that other eye candy wish they had. Now, in the case of the super-small displacement V8, I'll have plenty of airflow to support any RPM the lower end can stand. One of my competitors on the dirt track ran his 302 at 8K routinely, even if he did go through 3 or 4 engines a season.
Jerry

How much Hotter is the Corvette cam over the stock 235?

It has slightly higher duration and lift, without the obnoxious idle lope and loss of low end torque of cams like the "Bulldog" that some people like. It was also used in the 261 cubic inch medium duty truck engines from 1954-62.
Jerry