The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What engine is this.

Can someone advise how to tell a 216 engine from a 235. Does the 216 have the valve cover bolts in the center of the valve cover? Is there a 216 engine that has the valce cover bolts along the outside edge of the valve cover (4 bolts). This is in a 51 1/2 ton pickup.

Jon D,

We always assumed if the engine had the long pushrod cover...it goes from the pan to the valve cover, then it was a 216.

This was a easy visual check. Engine numbers are the bulletproof method, but this isn't my area of knowledge, as if anything is!

Stuart

If there are two nuts on top of the valve cover it is either a 216 or a 235 with a 216 valve cover conversion. If there are bolts around the outside of the valve cover it is a 235. The best way to identify a motor is to find the casting numbers. See the tech article for more information on motor identification.

The 235 engine has 4 bolts that hold the valve cover in place. The 216 had 2 studs that came through the valve cover to hold it in place. The studs can be used on a 235 also with an after market valve cover such as from Offenhouser or Wane. The 235 had one long pushrod cover also so this isn't a good way to ID the engine. As stated above it is best to get the casting numbers to get the proper ID.
Get the casting numbers and go to Inliners.org to get the proper ID. They are just above the starter.
Tom

1941-53 235s (even the full pressure 1953 235) had two bolt valve cover.

Pre'68Dave you are correct I'll have to play the old mans memory card here.
Tom

This site is great. With all the info that you all supplied, I think I have the engine size figured out. The valve cover has bolts along the outside, not in the center. The side plate is below the spark plugs and the plugs do not go through them. The casting number is 3836233, which I believe is a 235 Chevy (55-57), says started in 4-1-56. Guess this means I do not have babbitts, right? Has another number cast which is 0309I48F55Z (can't figure this one out. Thanks to all who answered. (got answers from you guys within 5 to 10 minutes after posting. This is great.

You have the full pressure 235. If you post the serial number, the one stamped next to the distributor, we can tell you what the original application was.

Serial Number is: 0309I48F55Z.

It appears to be tha standard 123 hp for a 1955 sedan delivery with manual trans, manufactured in Flint.

LongBox55,

Thanks. Your probably right from what I have researched. The truck originally had a 3 speed on the column but was switched and a 4 speed on the floor installed.