The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 engine swap

I have been thinking about swapping my original 216 in my 1951 chevy truck. I want to put a 235 - 261 inline 6cyl full oil preassure. I have a muncie 4 speed , 10 spline transmission with a snout # 3915020 on it. Other numbers stamped on it are #3851325 , #po624, #383173 on tail shaft, #383181 9 on the side of the tail shaft,where it bolts to the tranny. #3952648 on the shifter inspection cover plate. My question is,can i use this transmission behind a 235-261 6cyl. Will it bolt up to the bell housing,and what clutch and preassure plate is recommended ? flywheel ?

Thanks,Tim

There has been a lot of posts on this in the past & I think there is some info on the tech. tips. You might do a search & see what you can find. If you use that trans. it will fit the bell houseing but you will have to change the rear end. The water pump is the biggest problem with the engine if it is 55-62. You will have to use a shortened shaft pump or get an adapter. What part of Kansas are you in?

I am in wyandotte county. I plan on changing the rear end out as well. I have a 1967 12 bolt out of a camaro i use to own years ago. I have read numerous articles on the short shaft water pump,i believe my 216 has the short shaft.I am trying to get my ducks in a row.

Thanks,Tim

Your 216 pump won't fit on the full pressure 235 unless you use a water pump adapter. The adapter also puts the fan in a better position for cooling.

Hey were almost neighbors. If you need any help E-mail me [email protected] George

I only have about 1/4" clearance between the fan and the radiator now. Will this adapter plate allow enough clearance for fan/radiator ? So without this plate,the short pump won't attach and i assume the fan is not going to be centered with the radiator ? I think i would actually buy a new water pump #reme205 from jim carter. Question, will the #reme205 from jim carters place the fan off center ?

Will the 12 volt generator i have ,attach to the 235 or 261 engine ? I believe i would have to change the pulley to a narrow one ? Can the wide belt system be used on a 235-261 engine ?

Can i keep the 12 volt foot starter that is currently on my 216 ?

Can 6 lug axels be put into the 12 bolt chevy rearend that i have ? The rearend was originally out of a 1967 camaro that i sold 14 years ago. I have a really nice set of aluminum centerline wheels on the truck, and want to keep it 6 lug.



Thanks, Tim

My adaptor does not move the pump towards the radiator at all. I can send you info on it if you would like.

With the right gen brackets your gen will mount fine.

Your bellhousing, flywheel, and starter from the 1951 216 will fit any full pressure 235 or 261.

You can keep the wide belt if you use a wide belt balancer

I have located a 261 engine that is complete and runs. The guy wants $500.00 for it plus a exchange, the core could be a 216 he said. Is this a good price for an engine that is going to be completely rebuilt ? I believe it is out of a 1956.

Thanks Tim

Tim,

$500.00 is a very good price for a professionally rebuilt 261. I paid $225.00 for a junkyard runner that needed to be rebuilt and spent roughly $1,500.00 rebuilding it including machining and parts. I saved some labor cost by completing the assembly and disassembly myslef. I work cheap!!!

You may want to confirm that the engine is a 261 by its casting numbers before commiting to buy it since it could be a 235 instead of a 261. However, $500.00 would still be a good price for a professionally rebuilt 235.

Good Luck!!

It's not rebuilt, just in running condition needing rebuilt. Sorry if it sounded like it was rebuilt.

Thanks,Tim