| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,051 Posts1,055,768 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 45 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 45 | I was wondering if I could take advantage of some Stovebolter knowledgeabilty and ask if the 235 is a superior engine to the 216 as it seems that so many of the old trucks were updated with the larger engine.And I hear the term babbit bearing pounding engine with the 216 could someone elaborate on the meaning of what that refers to? And was the oiling system different?
Thanks | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | The 216s and 235s were very similar up to 1953. In that year there were differences and for sure in 1954 they changed to a modern full pressure oiling system. No 216s were made after 1953. The 216s and early 235s used dippers on the connecting rods and spray nozzels to enhance the rod lubrication at higher RPMs. The oil pressure on the 216s and early 235s was a lot lower than the full pressure motors. The connecting rods did not use insert bearings but had the babbitt attached directly to the steel rod. Here is a good link with lots of information: Chevy Six features
Last edited by truckernix; 02/25/2010 1:26 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 502 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 502 | I think the 216 is a fine engine, the newer 235's are just that, Newer. Full pressure lube, a little more power, and higher RPM's. That is why I think most people change them out. For the higher speed driving. the 216's you cannot run at the higher speeds with the stock set up. I run 3 216's and 1 early 235(low pressure bored out version of 216 developed for WW2 I believe)
They do everything I need them to without issue. I hear the "pounder" nickname and I thik it refers to the clanging noise for out of spec bearings, I am sure someone can elaborate hear that has a litle more knowledge than me. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 45 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 45 | | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 49 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 49 | I'm ashamed to admit I was one of those guys who said my orig. rebuilt 216 was fine. I used the truck alot but was never happy with the 216. She now has a nice full pressure 235 which is one he!! of a nice motor. | | | | | Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 5,716 62401 | | 62401 Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 5,716 | Just be advised that if you are contemplating removing a 216 and replacing it with a later (full pressure) 235, it is *not* a form/fit replacement. There are some mods that need to be done in order for the 235's to fit without butchery of the radiator shrouds. Check out our Tech Tips for more info on this. Not hard (I did it  ), but still something to keep in mind. V/R John
~ John A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult. 1949 Chevrolet 3804In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum1973 IH 1310 Dump1963 Kaiser M38A12001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie"2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley) | | |
|
|
| |
