The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1934 207 - should I consider converting to a 235?

I have a 1934 Master Sedan 4-door with the original 207. The engine may be shot. Should I consider rebuilding the 207 or should I replace with a 230 or a 235?

Keeping the original engine for matching numbers, etc, but would like the car to be more reliable.

I could be wrong but if you go with a late model 235 with the full pressure oil, it will be a big upgrade from the 34 model, but honestly I'm not that familiar with the 207.

The real question is what do you want to do? If you have a museum piece keep the 207 - if not then changing the engine will not really hurt the value.

So go with your gut -

I think it all depends on what your plans are. If you want to keep it original, I would rebuild the engine, these guys can supply you with all the parts you need. http://www.egge.com/ 29-36 used the same engine. If you want to make a street rod out of it, you might consider something a little larger than a 235.

If you look in the tech tips, I think a swap to a 235 is not just a drop in.

I did the conversion to a '56 235. But on my next one i will do the orignal engine, partly because I ran across a rebuilt one--but also because there is a host of troubles that crop up when converting or putting the 235 in. I went out into no mans land a tad--with the front mount. Then had to cut the firewall and reweld a bit. If you have the money you could have the old one rebuilt but it may cost alot because of the labor on pouring and scraping the bearings. Besdies the front mount I also had to get another bell housing from a 41 i believe, and a clutch from a ' 56. and kind of just make the pedal work by a little fabricating and bolting. Things are jkust more straight forward if you have the original--plus my numbers happened to be on the engine (vin type)

I think it would be great to keep the old 207. They seemed to be a reliable engine when they're not "shot" as you say yours is. The only problem with rebuilding them is that you have to have all new babbit bearings poured. This seems to be almost a lost art and expensive. Unfortunately the 207 can't be converted to insert bearings.

I went through all this with a '34 I had 30 years ago. I opted to keep the 207 and sent the engine off for new babbit. It cost me about $1,100 thirty years ago. I have no idea what it would cost today.

EDIT: Duh, I should have read Davy's post above before I replied. He already mentioned the same things and more.