The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How to tell?

Hi guys, how can i tell the difference between a 216 & a 235. I picked up a '48 chev panel this summer with a six in it & i have 55-6 or 7 in my back yard with a six .

The throat of the carburetor on the 235 is larger than the 216. Because of this, the distance between the mounting studs is different.

Differences depends on the year of the 235 - they go back to 1941.

The block (and head) casting numbers are the best way to tell if you have a 235 or 216.

If its original its a 216. Casting numbers are the best way to tell. There are other things that can help, but some 235's have been dressed to look like 216's, so sometimes its deceptive.

Here is a link to Inliners International site. Go to their "Casting #s" link.

The 216s all had the the "tall" sideplate cover on the pushrod side of the engine. However, so did the 1941-49 235 truck engines. A friend of mine claims that he can the difference between a 216 and early 235 by looking at the outside, but he won't tell me how. I have read that the early 235s had "235" stamped into the oil pan, but I have never verified that. Here is a link to a great resource in our Tech Tips section.

Hope that this helps. If not, post some pictures of you engine.

Thank you gentlemen. I have'nt got the '48 home yet, so i will let you know what i come up with.Am lookin forward to checkin her all out!!

I copied these pages from Patricks it was a really good resource for finding out what is what. I am sorry they didn't copy better

http://s414.photobucket.com/albums/pp223/mnwildpunk/img035.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp223/mnwildpunk/img036.jpg

Canadian 216's had a short side cover in 1951 and possibly earlier. I have never had luck finding Canadian 216 block casting numbers anywhere but the casting numbers for Canadian 261's show up in the listings.

More importantly you want to determine if it is splash oiled or not and a sure indicator is a small plate bolted to the driver's side of the block called an "oil distributor". There's a picture of the splash oiling system on this page:


http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0605.htm


If there is no plate there then your truck has had a later, full presure replacement engine installed.

I just noticed that you are in Canada. As stated, most of the Canadian casting numbers are not shown on the lists available. Also as stated, some of the Canadian 216s, probably from around 1951 have short side covers. My 1951 has a 216 with the short side cover. To comment a little further on the carburetor/manifold differences, the carburetors had a smaller throat bore and smaller distance between the mounting studs. In addition a 235 manifold does not fit on a 216 without some modifications because the intake port holes are different sizes. It used to be possible to order and information kit from GM in Oshawa. It costs about $45 but it gives you all the information that they have on your particular truck including Engineering data. It is based on your VIN. If you want to do this, I would act quickly. I don't know how long GM will continue this service given the present situation.

Some..... Canadian info .

He also has.... Casting Numbers, but not sure if they are Canadian???