The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Swapping 235's advice needed.

Hello everyone! I got home in my 57 One ton step van (saga story to be submitted soon)and the engine seems pretty worn out. So I purchased this engine on ebay hoping it is a good replacement.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7961861356&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:US:6
This engine has a foot switch for the starter. Will my ignition switch starter replace this setup? Is there anything I should be aware of when switching the engines? Thanks for your time and any advice you can provide.

Here is a pic of the step van.
http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/foster_chris_1957.htm

I think you just swap the starter...but are the engine mounts the same from 54 to 57? I know that the 54-55 235 series of engine is front and rear mounted, instead of on the sides of the block, like many later applications...

You shouldn't have any problems mounting this to your truck, it has front mounts from the looks of it. You may want to consider the fact the this is still a "babbit pounder" so keep the rpm under 4500. The pressurized 235 didn't come online untill the 55 model. If you have a key switched starter it should enterchange OK. Hang on to that foot start setup, a lot of guys might want it for restoration.

I hate to differ but 1954 was the year that the full pressure 235 became standard.

I agree with Truckernix. The full pressure 235 came in '53 PG equipped cars, and all '54 applications. Now, concerning the starter. Watch out for the number of teeth on the ring gear and the starter gear. They differ from 6 volt to 12 volt. In '54, Chevy still used 6 volt for everything. By '57, everything had been changed to 12 volt. Probably the easiest way to overcome this, is to use the '57 flywheel on the '54 engine.

can change out the foot switch on the starter with a solenoid? Is it the same starter, just a different switch?

Thanks for all the input. I can't thank you guy's enough. It helps to know what to look out for. I think I can use this engine. With a little parts switching. I'm glad it has the later oil system. I was worried there for a bit!
Thanks again for the advice.

OK,
if I'm wrong about the 54' engines then I stand corrected, however, I want you to explain this: on EVERY other thing I've read (a lot) everyone says it was 55 and to only purchase an engine in the 55-62' range. Can everyone else be wrong too?
I am aware of the PG equiped cars being earlier but this engine has a bell housing and clutch. So there is some reason that I'm warned to stay with 55'-62, don't you agree.

The 54 to 55-1/2 235 is a pressure oil engine, not a splash oiler. They differ from the later engine in the water pump being a high mount (54 to 55-1/2) and the cam journals being smaller (early 54). This is the preferred engine to put in the AD series, since the high water pump is shorter than the low pump and will replace the 216 as it sits.

Fred, Thank You for clearing up my information on 235's. As you are aware my concerns are as they regard the AD series trucks so to that extent I am correct, however not technically so I guess. Thanks for the info.

AD series trucks ranged from 1947.5 to 1955.5 (even though the '54/'55-1st had a nose job). As stated above, the high-pressure 235s and 261s arrived in trucks in 1954, to further advance the Advance Design trucks.

Tim

Thanks to all who replied. I really appreciate your taking the time to help. Looks like all I really need to do is remove the starter and foot switch assembly, trade flywheels and use my present starter. After I get back from Georgia with the new engine anyway!