The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '54 235 into '50 pickup

I'm, a newbie and I'm confused. Am i correct in assuming the '54 235 with bellhousing and trans will bolt right into the '50 pickup without modification to engine mounts, etc. while the '55 235 requires changes? The motor appears to have short water pump. I got lucky and found a rebuilt '54 235 with all attachments.
unbroke

There are only small differences putting the early 235 in for a 216. Throttle linkage pivot point, and thermostat sending unit size are two that I can recall. There is an adapter for the sending unit, and for the throttle linkage it is best if you get what was on the 235. The fan is different, you will need the one from the 235, your 216 fan shouldn't work if it's original. Patrick's catalog has an article on the swap, see the links page. For the later 235, the only major problem is the lower water pump, a short shaft pump is needed.

Thanks. I have the throtle linkage from the 235. so the 235 bellhousing, clutch and trans will fit, then?
I haven't had this much cheap fun with vehicles since my '32 plymouth ($22.50 in 1961).
unbroke

The '54 water pump will work---'55 or later won't.
Smitty

!953-59 235s have two throttle pivot mounting holes. One matches the 216 throttle pivot. So you should use the linkage off the 216 with no modifying.

Unbroke,
When I transferred the complete driveline, tranny and engine from my '53 to my '50 I didn't encounter any problem.

One thing that comes to my mind is the mounts on side of bellhousings. some years had straight ones that sat on a straight spot on x-over and some later ones have a diff mount that sets on an angled area on x-over. Is that right? Seems maybe it's from 55-up, but maybe from 54-up? 54 was a major change in engine and 55 was even more till the engine was dropped in 62. I think you can use the 216 b/house from orig truck and bolt it to the newer 235 block, no problem then. 55-up also have diff # of teeth on flywheels for the diff 12volt starter motors.

Unbroke & G.L:

The '54 engine mostly "drops-in", however the bell housing is different: '47-'53 has the u-shaped mounts that sit on "horizontal" portions of the cross-member, '54 & later has the "biscuit-type" mounts that sit on the angled cross-member.

What you'll need to do (hope you read this before you try and drop that '54 engine in there!) is swap the bell housing from your '50 engine onto the '54 engine; then she'll fit just fine.

To change bell-housings you'll need to remove the clutch and the flywheel, then you'll see the bolts that hold the bell housing to the block.

Good luck!

OK Frank, GL, Cmaya, youall, Thanks!!
I think he prior owner of the 235 already made the change to the '50 bellhousing, etc. I 'll know for sure in a few weeks when I get to where he truck is. it's in Tioga County PA and i and motor are in Delaware.
unbroke