The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Best recomended engine rebuilt kit

What would you guys recommend as the best engine rebuilt kit for a 1952 235 for a 3600 truck. Also do most of the new engine rebuild kits include aluminium rods, bc I have heard that is an important change?

Most of the rebuild kits as a package are pretty much the same.I don't know of any that offers aluminum rods as part of the package. Individual parts can be bought through stores like NAPA. But, before buying any kit, it is more important to have your engine apart and examined for cracks and other damage. You may find that you only need certain parts and not a rebuild kit.

Does your 235 still have the babbitt rods with the splash lubrication for the rod bearings? Instead of aluminum rods are you looking for rods that have been modified to accept insert bearings? Chevs of the 40s (and others) can provide rods with insert bearings. Or, are you considering a conversion to full-pressure lubrication for the rod bearings? Egge offers a 1952 rebuild kit for a 235 for $1700+ (enter CB503 in the "Part Number", and then click on CV235M50-52; that is how I was able to get there; there may be an easier way - like just calling EGGE. Their website says to call for picing about the rod bearings.

I would follow DrewP's advice, and order the parts you need after the block, crank, etc. have been cleaned, inspected, and machined. The rebuild may need either more or fewer parts that come in the engine rebuild kit. However, it's possible that the Egge engine kit (for example) may be the best deal. The research is always fun when rebuilding an old stovebolt.

Hoyt

It is not aluminum rods you need, it's aluminum pistons you should get. Stock were cast iron.

Pre '68 Dave, That makes sense about the pistons. I have a spare block that is in good shape so when I get further into the motor Ill get the one I have checked out. I keep hearing these motors are pretty solid. Many guys around town have told me the same thing you guys are. That I may not need enough parts for a rebuild kit. I agree the research is a lot of fun. Thanks guys for the advice.