The Stovebolt Site Forums Swap Meet Truck Parts Wanted Wanted: Chevy 235, 216 or 261

Hey Everybody,

I need a new engine for my 1953 3100. I can use any of the listed inline engines. It has to be a running engine in usable condition. No rebuilds. I can travel a limited distance, but prefer an engine located within 100 miles of Fredericksburg, VA.

Thanks!

I'll broaden the range to 150 miles from Fredericksburg, VA.

Gray ghost I am in Stafford VA, and working on a 53 3100 as well, let me know if I can help!

Thanks, Buckeye!

Mike - I did some web surfing for ads in your general vicinity. Only one FBM ad for a 235 within the 150 radius is listed 235 in Harpers Ferry, WV. It unfortunately doesn't indicate it is a known good running engine. Just mentions it "turns over freely". The casting code confirms it's a low water pump 1959 block, but no serial number to confirm further details.

I expanded my search to 250 miles, just to see if there was anything lurking farther out. These are the next ads currently listed, some saying running or removed from a running vehicle:

1957 running 235 from a car in Lebanon, PA

taken from a 1956 sedan - running 235 but smokes and needs rings in Sanford, NC

Chevy straight 6 235 - sitting for an unknown amount of time and will need work in New Tripoli, PA Note: pictures show a Dec 27th 1954 block casting date for casting code that match 1955-57 235's. Guessing this is a very early 1955 model year engine.

1954 Chevy 235 in used/good condition in Donora, PA Actually about 275 miles distant from you. Does say it was pulled to do a SBC swap, so maybe in running condition?

Sorry that there doesn't seem to be any better candidates than these, but perhaps one may work?

Mike -- Have you talked to Chris Sweet about your search yet?

Frankly, I doubt you will find a good running engine you can plug and play. I learned the hard way that any unknown engine, running or not, needs to be considered a "Rebuildable Core." Yes, you might find one that runs okay. You may even get to see and hear it run. It won't even smoke. But it's only a matter of time (weeks/months) and you will be pulling it to rebuild anyway. So why play Stovebolt Roulette and end up paying good money for a "running engine" and then pay big money (and time) rebuilding it anyway?

A running, unrebuilt Stovebolt Six is an engine with a minimum of 6 decades under its belt. Who knows what's about to go belly up inside it? And who knows where that would happen. Sure would stink to have it happen on route 3 in front of the mall .... Its a much better candidate for a rebuild than it is for a drop in replacement.

Just sayin'

John
"Capn Sunshine"

Well, I tried the guys on Lebanon and St. Tripoli in PA about a week ago. Neither responded. I thought they were good candidates for me but it didn't pan out. Hope you have better luck!

I took one ride in John's truck after the 216 got swapped for a "recently rebuilt" 261- - - - - -and watched the oil pressure drop to dangerously low numbers, and listened to a very worrisome knock develop as it got up to running temperature. Dropping the oil pan just a few days later revealed a connecting rod bearing that was on the verge of making its way into low earth orbit! Fortunately, John was wise enough to treat my concerns seriously and avoid a disaster!
Jerry