The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Did I still get a deal?

I bought a completely disasembled engine which I thought was a 1954 261. Turns out it is a 1954 235 according to the block and head casting numbers.
It has a bent connecting rod so needs a rebuild anyway. I am sure the guy I bought it from is really convinced it is a 261 and wasn't trying to pull a fast one but now that I check the numbers it is definitely a 235.

I only paid $200 for it. It will need pistons and rods anyway...maybe I can have it bored out a little.

I am disappointed I really wanted a 261. Should have checked the numbers first.

Did I pay too much...I don't know much about the 235.

Rich

If it is rebuildable you didn't get hurt too bad. One good thing about it is it will fit in your truck without water pump modification.

Rich,

It is possible that seller thought it was a 261 because the 1954 235 came with the "captain bars" on the block. The bars are mistakenly used by many people to identify a 261 block.

Tim,
There are no captains bars. I was not aware of them until after I purchased. I really think this guy thinks its a 261 and is just mistaken

I am disappointed but as long as this will fit my truck and has more power I think I am ok with the sale.

I currently have a 216 4 speed which runs great but does not have the power I would like for those long incline roads.

My understanding is that the 235 has close to double the horses of the 216 and the 261 has only about 8% more the the 235.

Rich

Cletis,

I will have the block and head spec'ed soon to see if it is rebuidable. It looks in very good shape.

Thanks

Rich,

The differences between the 1952 216 and the 1954 high-pressure 235 are relatively the same as the differences between the 1954 high-pressure 235 and the 261. In both cases, the differences are noticeable when you drive them.

1952 216 had 85 net hp
1952 235 had 95-98 net hp

1954 235 had 102-105 net hp
1954 261 had net 114-123 hp

What are the block and head casting codes on you engine?

Block 3835911
Head 3835913

Your 216 is good for about 92 hp and that motor should be good for about 120 stock. However, that doesn't tell the real story. You get lots of torque for the hills and with a higher compression head or probably milling that one, you can boost the power some more.

I would be interested in how the rod got bent. Can you see the bend in it?

I know these numbers are a 1954 235. I believe this is a full pressure engine as it does not have the capilary tube on the drivers side that feeds the head with oil. I have the connecting rods and crank out and I don't see anything that looks like a babbit(of course I don't really knwo what a babbit looks like)
It has solid lifters and a short side panel.

I akm not sure what I will do as I am thinking i woudl like ot keep the truck original but I would like a more drivable ride.

I will likely rebuild this over time and install it keeping the original 216 babbit pounder in mothballs in case the day comes that I need it to be all original again. (I kept my old center chuck when I upgraded that to 4:10)

I am told there are not that many original 216's left in these old trucks. Don't know if that is true or not.

Rich

truckernix
The rod is bent to about a 60 degree angle. I have never seen that before.

When I asked the seller how that happened he just said..."darn kid"

This will need new rods now pistons, rings and bearings at least. If I have to do any work to the block I may think about boring it out if that is possible. Can you port the heads on these??? Would that increase power?

I figure this may be a great learning and experimental engine since I can alway put the 216 back in

Thoughts
Rich

Rich,

Have you verified by measurement that the block is a 235? The bore of the 235 is 3-9/16 (3.5625)" and the bore of the 261 is 3.750" in diameter. I also have a 1954 block with the 3835911 casting number and it is a 261. When I posted tis information a few months ago, some of the 'bolters had trouble believing, but I have verified that it is a true 261, as it has the steam holes, siamesed cylinders, and 261 rods.

What is the serial number stamped into the distributor pad?

Hoyt

Hoyt

The number is 0487323F54XA
I could not find a reference on line to decipher this.

I just measured the cylinders and they are 3-9/16 (bummer)
Rich

F54XA = a a 1954 235 in a 3600 truck

So this will fit my truck with little or no mods.
Do I have to use the 235 bellhousing or the 216. I have both and both clutch assemblies

The engine is in my garage and the truck is in Maine.
I will bring it back this weekend and start measuring.

I spoke to a machine shop today and the guy seemed resonable. He said he would look it all over for me and has decent prices for the work.

One thing I can say about the guy who took it apart. He labeled everythnig pretty clearly so hopefully I wont need push rods and and a line bore.

Rich

Rich,

If you are putting this in your 1953 truck, use the 1953 clutch housing and clutch assembly.

Thanks Tim,
I also read an article on Patrick website that said all the engines are the same on the rear mounting. I may buy a new clutch and pressure plate, pilot bearing and bushing and have the fly wheel resurfaced.

I might as well do this right and have a truck I can drive anywhere anytime.

Rich

I posted this a while back. I am putting a 1954 235 blueflame engine in place of my 1953 216 thrustmaster (in my 53 3600)

Back then Tim suggested to use the 53 bell housing and clutch assembly. I am buying a new clutch and want to have the fly wheel resurfaced.

Does anyone know if the 53 216 flywheel is the same as the 54 235 flywheel? The 53 has a 4 on the floor I believe the 54 was 3 on the tree.

I am asking as I would like to resurface the flywheel and the one on the 216 is still in the truck. The one from the 235 is in with the other engine parts.

Thanks
Rich

PS the 235 should be ready to install by the end of February
cleaned
spec'ed
machined
parts
labor
paint
and a warrantee

More than I wanted to spend originally but not as bad as I thought as I was doing the research