The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '46 drive train ?'s

Getting closer to bringing one home and have a few questions on the 216 v/s the 235. The 216 on the truck I'm looking at seriously is at best just good for a few parts if any. Correct me if I'm wrong but from what I've heard these 6 cyls. were old type babbitt bearings and were not full pressure oilers. Even if I could find another 216 tell me why I should re-build one other than to be exactly original. I'm pretty sure I can get the 235 back that was in my '63 and I could use my old 3 spd. but rather not since 1st gear is not synchronized. Will later model 235's such as the '63 and later model 3 spds. bolt right in with little or no mods.? What year would I need to jump to on a 3 spd. that 1st gear is fully synchronized? I know some of you have done this upgrade so tell me what all you used. You guys have talked me out of the S-10 chassis swap and I would like to make the old '46 as original as possible with maybe just this little upgrade on the old 6 cyl. and trans.

Mike

My old 216 runs like a champ but for the life of me I cant think of a reason why anyone would choose it over a 235 (54 or later).

the all syncro truck 3spd started in 68 I think, and bolted right up to my mid 50's 235 [prolly any 235]

Bill

235 in a 63?, or was it a 230?. The 235's run ended in '62, the physically larger 230 was intro'ed in '63 and will require modifications to fit into the '46 engine bay. Not a direct bolt in. The fully synchroed "Saginaw" 3 speed made it's debut in trucks in '67 behind V 8's only, while the sixes retained the old "Muncie" thru '68. In '69 and up all trucks got the "Saginaw". However, I dont think you can use them unless you change the rear end, as the '46 will have an enclosed drive shaft, not compatible with the later tranny. Not trying to rain on your idea, just make sure you know what you're getting into.
PS I think there may be a bell housing issue as well, as the '46 will have the floor starter switch mount at the BH also? Not alot is direct bolt in compatible from '46 to '63 up when it comes to driveline(unless you change it all from the bell housing to rear end)

The L22 series inline 6 will require modifications to fit in an earlier engine bay, due to the different motor mount locations, but it is NOT larger than the 216/235/261 engines. It is actually a fair bit shorter in both height and length, and quite a bit lighter. The exact specs are in Santucci's Inline 6 Power Manual, but I don't have my copy handy at the moment.

The only thing larger in the L22 is the main bearing count - 7 vs. 4 in the earlier engines.

Well, I found out that my 235 got put in the former owner's Father's '66 and he's driving it daily so that does that. What do I need to look for that would be the best upgrade? A '54 up 235 and I would like a full synchro saginaw, I have lots of rear ends and drive shafts in the '67-'72 junkyard that we have but I don't think there's any 3 spds. left. I'll have to check. What do you guys think the best combination will be?

Mike

For that situation, I'd go back to the L22 inline 6, or upgrade to a V8. The frame should be drilled for the motor mounts.

i think you could put a 60s 4 speed behind the 235 and have a open driveline with newr rear end

The block on the newer (L22?) 194/230/250 style sixes may be smaller, but from what I understand, the water pump is longer. Going that route will likely find you moving the radiator forward. I would stick with a 235, or 261 if you could find one, with the bell housing that will bolt to the existing frame with the side mounts. You'll also have the single front motor mount right where it belongs. Try to find one of the old three speed Borg Warner overdrive units, they pop up on E Bay from time to time(The Saginaw version was made thru '87). or even look at swapping in a T 5 from an S 10 for overdrive. I'm pretty sure you could get away without any crossmember problems that way. I think the '46 rear end was slightly narrower than a '67-'72 rear end, but not sure, you might want to do some measuring.

I'm looking around right now for a 261. Boy I kick myself for selling the one I had and it ran like new.

Mike

Mike - If you are going to dump that 46 3spd let me know, I could use a spare.

George