The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rebuild 1931 194 question

I have a '31 chevrolet coupe. It has the original 194 c.i. however it has some serious knocking issues. It doesn't smoke out of the exhaust much, but a lot of blow by out of the draft tube and breathing holes.
This engine will need to be rebuilt soon. There are no more shims left and the engine is quite worn out it seems.
Although I won't be tackling this project soon I will eventually get to it when finances allow. How much would one expect to pay to rebuild one of these engines? Would it be recommended to have it changed to insert bearings. I would love to try to handle as much of it myself as possible, but I had a bad experience with a 235 in a '57 chevy a few years ago. I was (and still am) new to engines and it seemed there are few people left who can actually build one of these older engines and do it correctly.
I considered trying to find an old used or unwanted 235 somewhere. I seem to find people pulling these for replacement and not wanting them sometimes, even thought they are worn out I may be able to put one of these in just to get a few more years of life out of the car without having to wait on the 194. Will a 235 sit down in the '31. I hate that it wouldn't look original but i mostly enjoy driving it anyway... not a show car.
So, in summation: This is not something I plan to do soon, but I'd just like to get an idea of how much money it's going to take to get the 194 back in shape. Also, in the mean time, if I happened upon another 6 cyl, what models will fit and bolt into the '31?

Thanks,
Brandon

I believe the 194 and the later-model 207's are slightly longer than the 216/235's, and there are a few other issues involved in doing that swap. Something about the bellhousing/clutch, and possibly a difference in the transmission bolt pattern? I'm sure somebody with more accurate information will chime in soon. Also, I don't think an insert-bearing conversion is made, but it might be possible to modify an insert bearing from something else with a little creative machining. Once you've got a bearing fitted to the rod, it would be necessary to regrind the crankshaft to fit the rod bearing diameter.

Don't the older engines have poured main bearings, too? Finding someone to pour, line-bore, and fit the mains to the crankshaft might be a real challenge!
Jerry

I would say that most of these older engines can cost up to $1000 per cylinder to rebuild if you are having it done.

There are inserts available for 1929-32 engines. In doing the insert conversion you will need to weld up the sides of the rods or find 1932 rods. 1932 is the first year Chevrolet did not have the Babbitt extend out and around the sides of the rods and are a direct fit.

A 216-235 is not to hard to install with the right parts either.

Wow!! $6,000.
Looks like it may be a while before the 194 gets rebuilt.