The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1953 Chevrolet 235 Rebuild

Hi All.. wanted to get some additional feedback regarding a 235 rebuild that I'm considering. I'd like to keep the 235 for a 1951 Chevrolet 5-window resto-mod project that I'm just starting on but need some advice and guidance. We were able to get the 235 running fairly easily but took it into a local machine shop for a more thorough look over. The machine shop has called us back and said that it basically needed to be rebuilt and the cost would be about $1500. I'm wondering whether I should have the shop only do the machining work and then purchase a rebuild kit for approximately $500 or should I be looking for another 235? I will likely keep the 3-speed tranny in place. Appreciate any feedback.

Hy ChevyTruckKy, If you're doing a major project I would rebuild the engine, that way you know what you have. That being said I would not rebuild a babbit bearinged 235, I would find a presicion bearinged engine to rebuild. As to whether to let the shop do it all or not, that depends on your level of skill/comfort with engine assembly, hope that helps.

For a 'stock' restoration I'd keep the original motor, however those inline motor experts recommend the full pressure 235, that's 54 to 62. If resto-mod is your thing you will want the full pressure motor. To start with, I'd get a Patrick's catalog ph. 520 836-1117, has a lot of really good basic info and the parts to go the resto-mod route. Also glue yourself to this site which in my opinion is the BEST resource ever for us truck nuts, with hundreds of knowledgable folks ready and willing to help 24-7. These folks are the best of what this country is about.


Another fun an inspiring thing to do is look through the gallery and read what other guys have done.

Babbit bearing engines used to run 50,000 miles and even more so the question you need to ask yourself is how long will it take to get that many miles racked up? It has always struck me as really odd that a lot of people here claim you have to get a full pressure engine and then they praise the longevity and design and this and that of those old stovebolts. I'm not one to recommend throwing the old engines over the side unless there are good reasons to do so. So maybe all you need to do is fix what you have...it's lasted for 56 years. Isn't that what this site is really all about...preserving that which we so lovingly praise?