The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216/235 Engine swap

Over the holidays I talked to a cousin who has a '61 235 out of a Chevy Belair. I believe the car has a 4 spd on the column. He's currently getting me the numbers on it. My question is...How hard of a swap is this into a '41 truck that has a 216/4spd setup?

I have searched the site and found bits and pieces of this swap. Of which are...

1. The '61 car has side motor mounts but is tapped for a front motor mount.
2. Water pump is too long and interferes with radiator on '41.
3. 61' is pressurised and has hydraulic lifters.
4. Throttle linkage is mounted in different place.


Besided this I know I'd be converting to 12 volt. My intention is to be mostly original with this truck. I wanted to keep the rear end and transimission and just change out the engine. Or would it be wiser to switch out the whole driveline. I don't intend to make it a daily driver. What scenario would make the best setup for my application and this engine? Should I take the tranny as well?

I 'm certain you made a typo with "4 spd on the column." Would have Three on the tree. Four speed was not available with six cylinder engine.

You should have no problem switching the engine only with what you already know. The newer transmission is et up for an open driveline so asiest way is to keep the tranny you have.

There is lots of information on this switch. There is an adapter plate that allows the 216 water pump to be used on the newer engine and in the lower location. I assume that the adapter is good for the 41 216 water pump but you would have to check that out.

Dave, I see you noticed that too. I remember driving an '85 work truck with "three-on-the-tree" not a 4. I forgot to ask about the bellhousing/ring gear/starter setups. Do I use the originals on the '41 or do I have to locate something different?

Use the 41 bellhousing. If you use the 41 flywheel, you need to keep the six volt starter, but it works well at twelve volts.

Patrick's is the place to go for all of the info you need for the swap.

Patrick\'s Engine Swap

Go directly to Patrick's at Patrick\'s Antique Cars and Trucks

You can get all of the info you need there including the 6/12 volt conversion.

The 1941 flywheel will not work. It has a larger center pilot hole and the mounting bolts are 3/8".
1942-62 will interchange.

Down2sea, the Patrick's page is a big help.

I'm a little confused about the flywheel. I thought that during the mid 50's the flywheel had more or finer teeth which necessitated a different starter.(12volt?) Does this mean I would have to use the flywheel/starter from the new '62 motor? I want to keep the original bellhousing. From what I can tell this would be an exceptable fit, or is it?

In order to bolt up correctly you must use the original 139 tooth flywheel from the 216. Mine was in pretty bad shape i.e. radial cracks in the clutch area so I started a search for a new one.

What I learned was that there are 139 tooth flywheels out there for both the 6 bolt, 9" bolt circle, 9" clutch, and another for the larger 10 1/2" (or some fraction thereof) clutch pressure plate assy. I was unable to learn if the larger pressure plate would fit into the bellhousing so decided to stick with the 9" clutch. I found a nice flywheel for $70 or so.

As far as the starter goes -- Patrick says the 6 volt guy loves the extra juice. If you are still unsure give them a call. They actually would rather help you on the phone and don't mind at all. Hopefully you'll buy something from them also.
Good luck,

Here are some lessons learned i worte up after installing a 235 in my 1940 truck.
http://oldgmctrucks.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/462107036/m/4471020781

Steve