The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop To rebuild or to buy rebuilt...

When I originally picked up my '51 it came with a 235 already installed. This engine ran, but is in need of a complete rebuild. According to the following page, I have a Corvette block so it might be worth somthing to sombody doing a restoration on one:

http://www.rowleycorvette.com/stats54.html
Block casting #3835911

I was browsing Jim Carters ( http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/cgi/start.exe/start.htm ) online catalog and saw they offer rebuilt 55-59 235 for $1195 plus core and shipping charges. So now I am thinking of getting a rebuilt 235 instead of rebuilding what came with the truck, but purchasing an engine from a non local shop has me a little nervous. I was wondering if anyone here has purchased one of these rebuilt engines, and what their experiece was (good, bad, or otherwise). I am not quite to the stage that I need the engine, but I am trying to get lined up for when it is needed. Also, I am not set on buying a rebuilt engine, I have a reputable local shop that said they can rebuild the 235 I have (havn't got a quote yet), I am just exploring a few differnt possibilities

I think its Jaeger that has the best reputation for producing rebuilt engines and trannys. The lower-end of my 235 was okay, it just burned oil and had compression problems. I had the head rebuilt with hardened valve seats and replaced valves and everything came to $400 and did the trick. So your local shop might even beat the $1195 price if they did the lower-end too.

You are on the right path, its always best to get all options before starting. You might want to get on the Corvette boards and find out if your block is worth something. It could be worth more than you think, or it could be worth only what a standard block is worth. If you do sell your Vette block, you are stuck with pay the core charge on the reman engine which could be quit costly.

When looking for parts for your rebuild if you go that way, try and stay with one vender for the whole engine kit. It will be easyer to keep track of cost and inventory.

Also, don't forget about shipping. You will have to pay both ways. Joe

Hello again,

Thanks for the advice, I will check on some 'vette boards. I saw the same exact engine I have (same casting #) on Ebay yesterday, and the bid was up to $1100 (bid, not reserve), and this engine didn't have any head or manifolds. I went looking for it again today, but it has disappeared off Ebay. I don't have any 'vette manifolds either, but I am sure I have the correct head (the casting is the correct year). I am thinking it would be better for me to find a corvette guy to sell this to. I may be able to sell this engine off and use the money to cover the cost of aquiring and partially covering the rebuild of another 235! So, I may be back to looking for another engine, but my original question still stands, has anyone had dealings with Jim Carter's? Ever purchased an engine from them? Any help is appreciated, as I am still pretty new to these old trucks

The Vette only had a 6-cyl for two years, 53 and 54, so if your block and head have the right numbers, it's probably worth a try at an eBay sale. Kind of like the 55 model 265 V-8, the one without a block-mounted oil filter. They're scarce, too. You might be able to pick up a core engine at a wrecking yard for low bucks, if you decide to go the rebuilt engine route.
Jerry

Try this place. http://ncrs.org/ National Corvette Restorers Society

Also, if you can find someone local who will rebuild your engine that has a good reputation, use them over buying one out of town. No shipping charges and if something's wrong, you know where to go to get it fixed.

Call Jaspers. They pick it up & bring it back.
Very high quality work & excellant warranty.

There is one thing you can rely on in this day and age. If someone were putting junk out there to the resto trade, you'd know about it. Think of the internet as a big long laundry line......... The MukLuk telegraph. Call it what you want, but this medium can bury a bad vendor really quick.

FWIW: I have only had about half a pot of success finding a builder locally that was worth his salt.

Wrenchbender,

Do you have a Jasper's catalog with information on 216/235/261? Their on-line form does not goes back to 1957 and even for 1958 it only lists a 4.6L (283 CU ?) engine for a Chevy truck.

Thanks,
Tim

Heres an update:

Come to find out, this is not a Corvette engine, just the same block that they used, all mine needs is a G on the end of the date code. Oh well, at least I learned a few things about casting numbers and six cylinder 'vete engines I didn't know before guess I am going to go the rebuild route, thanks for all the suggestions!