The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1953 CHEVY BEL AIR 235 engine in a 1959 truck

Hi. I have a chance to get my hands on a 235 out of 1953 CHEVY BEL AIR. I beleive my truck came with 235 originally ( no engine right now ). Is there a difference between a Bel Air 235 and a 235 that went into a truck, will this engine be compatible with my truck. Thanks

A 1959 truck 235 was mounted on the front sides. The 53 engine will not have provisions for these mounts.
You can remount the 53 engine using the center side mounts 53 had with one of the mount kits available.

One other thing. If the 53 engine came from a stick car it will be a splash lubricated engine.

Thanks for the reply Dave. Please excuse my ignorance, I am new to old Chevy trucks, will this available mount kit attached to the engine or frame? Also, what is a " Splash Lubricated Engine ", are these good or bad?

Here is an example of the KIT .

Most people will tell you that the splash engine is undesirable.
On a splash engine the rod bearings are lubed by a dipper not by internal oil pressure.

It is my understanding that the term "spash-oil" lubrication system originally referred to a even more rudimentary lubrication system than the dipper-fed and pressure-fed stream of oil that lubricates the rod bearings in 216 and early 235 engines.

People still use the term "splash oil" in the same way they use the term "steam holes" in a 261 block/head (I hope there is no steam - Jim Carter coined this term, I think).

Here is a true "splash oil" system/engine.

Here is a description for an early 216 engine. Oil spray for some parts is stilled referred-to. However, this was really not a splash oil engine.

Extra "water holes" is the term Chevrolet used for the extra coolant passages between the "siamezed" cylinders in 261 engines.

I do not think that GM/Chevrolet used either of the above terms (splash oil or steam holes) for any of these fine stovebolt engines.

There is no question that the later higher-pressure 235s (and all 261s) have better lubrication systems than the lower pressure 216s and lower pressure 235s.

Thanks for all the help. I decided to pass on that engine and go for one that is a direct replacement. If I WAS to go to all that trouble installing new mounts to fit that Bel Air 235, I would rather do it for a V8. Thanks again

So I have another question. What engines other than the stock 235 are compatible without modifications? Thanks

The 261 from the 2 ton and larger '55-'59 is a direct bolt in.

I have a 1953 car engine in my 1950 Suburban. Since it came from a car with a powerglide, the engine is full pressure lubricated with insert bearings just like all the later model truck eventually went to and is supposed to produce 115 HP. It also looks like a 216 unless you know what to look for. I don't recall any kind of modification during the installation process, just different motor mounts.

The only engines that have the front side mount provisions needed for your 59 would be 1955-59 235 or 261.

Don't be afraid of the '53 non Power Glide 235. I use the system all the time. Even in the earlier 216's when I build them I use a '53 235 non Power Glide oil pump and siphon tube. It has worked fine in over ten of those I've put together. I don't expect high RPM's but for daily drivers this setup does just fine. I still suggest either 30 or 10-30 motor oil with a 90 day oil/filter change period. The later 216's have insert bearings in the rods too. I use Clevite (V) insert bearings.
Normbc9

I was told the other day that '55-'57 engines did not mount the same way '58-'59 engines did. I'm certainly NOT doubting you, but now I'm REALLY confused. I went to look at a 235 that's in a '57 truck, and to me it looks like the same engine mounting system that's in my '59. Please help

If you were told about car mounting then yes, 1955-57 mount different than 1958-59 which used center side mounts.
Trucks used the front side mounts from 1955 2nd -59.

The '55-'59 Truck engines all mount the same. It's the passenger engines that changed.

Thanks Pre '68 Dave and LONGBOX55. So I have an opportunity to buy a 235 out of that '57 I described in my last post. We could not get it to start and run because the coil was shot, but it did turn over freely. The guy is asking $500 for the engine ( it's complete ) and four speed manual trans. I personally feel that's a little pricey for an engine I did not see run. What do you guys think?

That is a lot to pay if it is just a rebuild-able core engine.

They swear it's a runner. Hypothetically speaking, if it is a runner, is $500 still too much to pay for that engine and trans?

Swearing is cheap - worth very little.

Will they guarantee that the engine will run satisfactorily (no cracks in block/head) and the compression is within recommended range, and the oil pressure within an acceptable range (what year is the engine, 1957? - 30psi at idle, when warm).

If you are looking for rebuildable engine, will they guarantee that the head and block are rebuildable?

They will guarantee nothing. Oh well, looks like I'll have to pass on yet another engine. Man, finding an engine for my '59 is turning out to be harder than I thought

Anton,

I agree with you. I have put two 1953 Powerglide engines in 1951 trucks, and no modification was required. Just had to unbolt the motor mounts on the sides. The front plate on both engines was already punched for the front motor mount used in the truck. Don't know if all '53 powerglide engines were that way.

Kurt