The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 37 1/2 ton Chev - 216 engine question

Ive got the 216 engine in the 37 1/2 ton chev truck and was wondering if I could or should
keep it and have it redone in the States since
I heard from Customs that I would have to pay
a lot of import duty if its changed to an other
engine. Im sort of confused but ....
It would not be under the catagory of original
anymore to them if its changed more than 49 percent over all.
This classic would only be for sunday drives with
my wife anyway. Or can I find an engine that
could be fixed to the point that it would be hard to determine if its original or not.

Are there people or companies that could restore the original for me?
The truck will be in Chester Virginia for awhile
before shipping.
Silly question but had to ask.

Thanks
Ol Classic

216, 235 and 261 engines all look the same and are interchangeble. Since the truck's engine is probably not on the records they would never know. If the truck is titled by the engine number you might have to keep the original block just to keep the title legal. Truckedup has a nice 261 in his 37.

There are lots of shops that can restore a 216. Some may be wary of the bottom end so stay clear of them. The modern way to treat the rods is to have them converted to inserts. That way you get a modern bearing material to work with. That is what I did with my rods.

I agree with Truckernix. I would rebuild the 216.

Hi Finn,

Don`t worry. There are only a view poeple that can tell the difference between 216/235/261 when they see one (but us Stovebolters) and customs personal is usualy not in this category.

So if you have the 216 rebuld in the US (wich is cheaper than in here in Europe) no one will ever know.

If you put a 235/261 in you have cheaper parts for the future, full pressure oil, insert bearings and more power. And the customs guys will still have no clue.

Make sure the number in the Title is at the passenger door under the floor mat. If there is no number put it there. So no one will ever check the number on the block. (That`s what I did with my 41 Chevy - it worked and the German Inspection is verry picky but there not used to numbers on the engine it is always on the body or frame in Europe)

Last opinnion. Do the rebuild/conversion over here. (That`s what I did)

You can find a engine shop and a engine in Europe (even I got a spare 216 for sale - but needs at least a ring job).
You buy the parts in the US but have to pay 3% custom, 16% VAT, local tax and shipping.
Komplete rebuild kit from Kanter is about 750$.

Hope that helps a bit.

Frank

Gosh! Number one surprise when I woke this morning
is that there is a Stovebolter sort of close
to me. Im in Germany every other day in the Port
of Rostock. But no chance to travel away from our
ship due to only being in port for 3 hours or less. Then we leave for Finland again. It would
be nice to meet.
Thanks to all of you for your advice and info.
Im going to see whats inside of this engine first and see what condition its in. Maybe as you said have it converted.
PS How far is Augsberg from Rostock?

Thanks Again
Ol Classic Finn

Don't know but it is a LONG way from Texas