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| | | | Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 118 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 118 | Hello everyone, I recently purchased a1950 3100 with a 216 engine. The truck has been gar[img] http://pictures [/img]aged since 2000.the engine turns by hand but I'm thinking ahead of what online 6 cylinder I can replace it with using the same 3 on the tree transmission. Any body that has done this please comment. I'm keeping original as I can, with the exception of a 235,250, engine. Jim
1950 chevy shortbed 3100, 216 with a 3 on the tree.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 | A 1954/55 235 or 261 engine is the simplest swap. Late 55 through 62 235's and 261's will fit, with some adapting to the engine block to run the earlier style high-mount water pump used on 216 and 54/55 235 and 261 engines. The 194/230/250/292 series from 1963-85 or so don't work well without a LOT of adapting, including changing the bell housing, transmission, and rear axle. It's possible to upgrade the 216 engine block to more modern internal parts and more cubic inches, but most people don't have the skill, or the willingness to do that. Make a few more posts to get off "moderation" and send me a private message- - - -I'm scavenging up every 216 and 1941-53 235 I can lay hands on.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 118 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 118 | Jerry, how do I identify a1954 1955 235 engine, better yet do you know of any in the Virginia area
Jim
1950 chevy shortbed 3100, 216 with a 3 on the tree.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 | Others can confirm but I believe 1954 1955 235 will have the water pump in same place as your 216. The later 235's, you will have to get an adapter plate to run your water pump without having fit issues with fan & radiator.
I also have a 1950 3100. I built a 1957 235 and love it. I used most of my 216 engine parts on the 235. Water pump, exhaust manifold (dual) ,oil filter canister (if you have one), I even used my 216 crank pulley (harmonic balancer) on the 235 build.
Look at your local Craigslist ads, ect for the engine. They pop up quite often.
Good luck & keep us posted.
Todd
Last edited by Shaffer's1950; 01/18/2023 7:22 PM.
1950 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 | Casting numbers are the best way, and there are numerous number decoder websites. 54 and early 55 engines run the same water pump as a 216, mounted high on the block just below the thermostat housing. Later 235's and 261's have the water pump mounted about 3 inches lower down, and a big hole in the front of the block for the pump impeller to run inside the water jacket. "Pre-68 Dave" who is a longtime member of the stovebolt site makes and sells an adapter plate to allow the early pump to be mounted on a late-design engine. One of our resident number crunchers will be along shortly to provide all the casting numbers you can stand to read!
The pump position is important, because the fan position won't be correct if a late model engine is installed in an early chassis. Mid-year 55, the hood line was lowered and the pump was moved down so the fan would clear the hood.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,813 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,813 | Jim, Just a note that you may find something of interest in your engine search by checking out the posts in our Swap Meet forum Other Online Sources. Another alternative would be to post an ad of your own in the Swap Meet forum Truck Parts Wanted. For previous conversations about engine casting number and serial number info, use the Search the Site tool (either click this link or the one in the left main page margin. A very useful tool when searching for previous answers to questions you are posting. Good luck in your search.  Dan
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
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