The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216-235 Engine Swap Speed Bump

Hello All,

I am in the middle of swapping my 1946 216 to a 57 235 and have found the flywheel bolt holes on the 216 flywheel are too small for the 235 bolts. I read the engine swap tech tip and see there are different versions of the 216 flywheel. The bolts from the 216 are too small for the 235 block. Can I use the flywheel from the 235? Not sure if it matters but I have a crashbox 4 speed transmission. Any other suggestions. I am now on a very tight budget so am hoping I can use what I already have.

Thanks

Patrick

It sounds like you don’t have a 1946 engine.
1942 started the 7/16” bolt size.
If you are staying with the 6 volt starter you will need a 1942-54 216 or 235 flywheel.
I have seen where the 3/8” flywheel holes have been drilled out for the 7/16” bolts.
The center hole is also larger on the early flywheel, but the three dowel pins seem to center the flywheel fine.

Dave,

At this point we are thinking about using the 216 bell housing with the 235 flywheel, clutch and starter. Disappointing as the same I had for the 216 were new. I will run the numbers on the 216 motor and get back to you. I "thought" it was original to the truck but my knowledge of the early chevy trucks is currently lacking. I'm learning though thanks to you and others on this forum. My thanks.

Patrick

Is the truck 6 volt or 12 volt?
The 57 235 flywheel is 12 volt.

Hi Frank,

If we have to go the way I described it will be a 12v. It was 6v when the 216 was installed.

Patrick

Dave,
In response to your statement about the mfg date of the 216, I tried researching the motor number online but what I have does not make complete sense. The engine number I have is AAFII52343 which doesn't match up 100% to what I found at http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/. I plan on taking another look at the number to make sure I wrote it down properly. I would much rather use the 216 flywheel, clutch and starter as the starter has been professionally rebuilt and the clutch parts are new also. I will let you know what I find out.

Patrick

AAF
1941 Flint Michigan, 3/4 ton 216 truck engine ???
1941 Engine SErial Numbers

II52343 ???
The AAF prefix came before the sequence code up to 1163720

Maybe someone can help?

Tim,
Thank you. That, along with Dave's information helps a lot. I bought the truck a few months ago as a 1946, but am now questioning if the truck itself is a '41. Is there an easy way to tell? I am sorry but I am still a newbie.

Patrick

Sorry, Patrick
That series of trucks is out of my limited knowledge-range.

Dave, and other "oldies" members should be able to provide help to you?

Does it matter?

Ed

Ed, yes and no. When I bought the 235 motor to swap in, I was not aware of the differences between the early (41) and later (46) flywheels as Pre68Dave pointed out. In hindsight I reread the tech tip and see that it states there are different versions of the flywheel. I'm just trying to prevent the potential for buying incorrect parts due to not knowing the true year the truck was manufactured. Other than that, no, it does not matter. I am still trying to figure out if it is ok to use the bell housing from the 216 with the flywheel, clutch and starter from the 57 235, or am I better going down a different path.

A confused newbie

Patrick

Might have to use whatever fits, and make good notes for when working on it again.

Ed

Patrick, My 46 is set up this way: 1961 261ci (same dimensions as 235), using the original 1946 bell housing, original big truck flywheel and pressure plate, 6v starter, fine on 12v. trans is modern T-5 with adaptor to original bellhousing, open drive line and '66 pickup rear end. Original fan/water pump is a problem, pre 68 Dave makes a great adaptor. Mine however has a modified small fan blade plus an electric pusher fan in front of radiator.

The '41 trucks look the same as '46 however there are many many differences, '41 has pot metal rear window surround that is held in plate with a bunch of screws, 42-46 uses a rubber gasket, park lights are different, as are all the fender braces, 41 pass door has key in handle vs lock under handle. All that said, lots of this stuff will interchange, my truck had all '41 fenders on one side, '46 on the the other!

Best of luck with your truck!