The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop new engine: 216 to 235 swap

is a 235 a direct replacement for a 216 ? what about a 250 ?

If your question is can you do it with zero modifications the answer is no. Both the 235 and the 250 or 230 will require some mods. The full pressure 235 is probably the easiest. Others will be along with their opinions shortly.🛠

The later 230/250 are longer engines.

A 1953 or earlier low-pressure 216/235 would bolt in easily.

A 1954 or 1955-first-series high-pressure 235/261 would bolt in easily.

1955-2nd-series high pressure 235/261 would require relocating the water pump, and, maybe having to deal with the front motor mount.

Add the '53 high pressure car engine to Tim's list. It came in cars which had Powerglide transmissions. It is very similar to the '54-'55.1 truck engines except that it came with hydraulic lifters (unless it came from a Corvette).
It came with the 216 style valve cover too.

thanks, I need to do some more research, planing on winter projects but if my oil pressure continues to drop it might be sooner

What's the application (truck)?

I moved from the 235 in my 1954 Chevy truck to a 230, then to a 292 without issue. I haven't used side motor mounts, but used a front motor mount along with the bellhousing/crossmember mounts. Now the 54+ trucks DID have a different crossmember with angled vs flat mounting surfaces on the bellhousing/crossmember - so that may be different depending on your truck. The 230 fit fine, the 292 is a bit tighter against the firewall and takes some finagling to get into place, but again, fits. I didn't have to move my radiator or anything

I have a 1952 3100, been looking for ideas to get away from babbit bearing rods and possible head problems

As posted above, some 1953 235s or all 1954/1955st-series high-pressure 235 or a 261 would be the easiest swap. The water pump is in the correct location.

Later 235/261 engines can fairly easily have their water pump location "adapted". (Tech Tips are available)

Some later 235/261 engines had front-side engines mounts - the front plate would have to be swapped.

Look for engines and feel free to post their ID codes here.

People will ID the engine and inform you about what adaptations might be needed. The adaptations would not be too difficult - certainly less difficult that adapting a non-235/261 engine.

thanks Guys, my oil preasure has started to drop since I brought it home last month and I dont want to deal with Babbit bearings

woof359, WOW these guys on Stovebolt Forum are good. I can't resist putting something down. My 1954 235 original engine will do 70 + mph all day long on the turnpike. Stays very cool and gets fantastic mileage but I won't tell you my mpg because nearly everyone would call me a liar. I'm a model "B" nazi so enough said. I have had early 235 engines from cars with automatic transmissions hooked up to 3 and 4 speeds and had problems at highway speeds. There may have been a problem with the installer (me), in retrospect I did not know much about the famous model B carb at the time 53 years ago. Babbit bearings are ok but, not good if one wants to drive turnpike speeds. They are good for parades,show and putting around. Doc