The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 motor swap

I haven't decided yet, but I was wondering what is the biggest cc motor that will bolt right up to my 1950 model 3100 transmission. I know a 236cc will but according to shop manual, there is only 1hp difference between the 216 and 236.

What rear end do you have in your truck?
Will you use the original enclosed drive-shaft torque-tube?

Will you stay 6v?

If yes, any high-pressure 235 (1954 and later) or any 261 can "bolt right up", using the 1950 clutch housing, flywheel, and clutch assembly.

You would need to install Pre '68 Dave's water-pump adapter plate and your old water pump (to line up properly to your radiator)

The gears in the rear end is 4.11according to the service manual. I have no preference between a 6V and 12V system. I know very little about the torque tube so I'm unsure at this point.. Just trying to make a daily driver that can easily do highway speeds

236 CC is 14 1/2 cubic inches. How are you at steering a motorized skateboard at highway speeds? Unless you switch to an open driveline, use a 3.55 or higher gear ratio, and upgrade your brakes and steering to accommodate highway speeds, you don't have any "bolt-in" options that will increase your top speed. If you do the above upgrades. which essentially involves swapping the whole running gear, I'd recommend a 261 engine. It's a 1954-62 medium and heavy duty Chevrolet truck engine that closely resembles a 235. It's got more torque and a little more horsepower than a 235 has.
Jerry

I plan on doing the upgrades mentioned above whether I swap the engine or not.. Just trying to see what are my engine options

I’m in the process of doing the same in my '47 except with the 1955 2nd 235. So far it hasn’t been too difficult. Good luck.

Regardless of the engine you will need to replace the 4.11 gear set to have a vehicle that will operate comfortably at reasonable highway speeds. By reasonable I mean in the 55 to 65 mph range.

The engine rpm is determined by the tire diameter and the rear axle ratio assuming top gear is a direct 1 to 1 ratio (no overdrive).

Unless you do a full suspension, steering, wheel/tire, and brakes upgrade you will have a difficult to control vehicle at higher speeds.

While I agree that the full pressure 235 or a 261 would be an engine upgrade, perhaps you should consider first putting time and money into swapping in a 3.55 gear set. That change will reduce engine speed by about 15% for any given road speed. Then you can better determine if you need the extra torque from the larger engine to offset the acceleration loss due to the lower gear ratio.

Great idea TBUChevy