The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Swapping '58 235 for 54 235

I'm considering swapping/upgrading to a 58 235. I currently run a 54 235 in my 51 3100. What if any modifications/additions do I need to make to complete this swap? I have an Offy 2-1bbl intake manifold and Fenton headers...will they fit the 58? Are there any water pump or oil filter issues?
thanks steve G.

Manifolds should fit. Water pump - You'll need the short shaft pump, available from the vendors. Oil filter - If you have the engine apart adapt it for a full flow oil filter, in the tech tips page.

Doesn't the 54 have the short shaft water pump?

The '54 235 is a better choice for the AD trucks because it uses the same waterpump as the 216. It will bolt in with no modifications. If ya use the '58 block you will need to use the short shaft water pump but the accessories from your '54 engine will work on the '58 no problem. Any of the oil filters that mount on the intake manifold from that era will work on both engines.

Hey MT, do you know if all 54 235's (or 261's) have shimmed main bearings?

Thanks for the free advertising in your signature Tony.
The 53 & 54 235's were transition year motors. As far as a rule to All of them , I am not sure. I have seen some 53 235's with insert main bearings & dippers,& I have seen some with inserts & full pressure. Every one I have pulled apart so far has had the shims.

All '53-'54 235 full-pressure sedan motors used main inserts with shims to set the clearance. I assume the '53-54 trucks are the same.

The '54 water pump will not fit the '58 block, so you've got to get the custom short-shaft. You will also need a '55-62 fan or an electric unit.

The motor mounts on the side of the engine blocks are different. I think your truck's '54 engine is held in with the front timing plate mount. If the timing plate is different on the '58, just use the '54 timing plate and cover.

Good luck
chip

Tony - My 54 235 came out of a car and was one of the late models with the large cam bearing journals. It also used shims on the mains.

I just put a '58 235 in my '54. You will need the short shaft water pump conversion, like everyone here has stated. The stock water pump shaft is too long and it will hit the radiator. The price varies from vendor to vendor, so do some checking. I saw them from $79 to $140.

I've also heard that I'll need a fan from a 55-61 235(flatter profile?). Is that true? How about the flywheel; any problems there?
thanks Steve G.

Yup, you'll need the later fan, then tweak the blades to clear the balancer and radiator.

You running 6v or 12V? The '54 starter was originally 6v. The '58 starter will be 12V. Use the '54 starter and flywheel if you've got 6v. Use the '58 parts if you've got 12V.

Keep in mind you can't mix '54 starters or '54 ring gears with later ('55-'62) year starter or ring gears. This is cuz chevy changed the number of starter pinion and ring gear teeth when they went to 12 volts in '55.

I'm doing a similar swap. I'm building a '60 235 to go into a '54 Bel-Air. I'm running 12 volts. I'm going to use the SS water pump with an electric pusher fan, the '60 starter, and the '54 flywheel with a new '60 ring gear swapped on. Its going to use a shaved '54 head w/dual valvesprings, Clifford 4bbl intake, HEI, M4F cam and Fentons.

good luck
chip

Couldn't you just change the starter drive instead of replacing the starter or flywheel?

Good question. I once tried this, and it won't work. The starter drive from a 12 volt starter won't fit on a 6v armature and vice versa.

The footmash 6v starters work fine on 12 volts, but the 6v solenoid starters (sedans) don't like 12v. My '54 ate the teeth off the ring gear quick-like on 12v. :o So I swapped to the '60 model setup and no probs.

Another starter option is to get the 6 volt starter rewired for 12 volts. But, if you have the engine out, the flywheel swap is the better route.