The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Hydraulic lifters vs..

I have a 52 half ton (216ci 4 gears) and about to choose a new engine - I'd love to keep it 6 cylinders. My intention is to only use the interstate to get to 2 lane country roads. Right now I stay off the interstate and take the long way around (drives my wife nuts).

I'm not a mechanic and don't pretend to know what I'm doing - so it's remanufactured engines I'm considering.

What I don't understand is for my kind of driving - should I be looking at 261 or 292 with hydraulic lifters or would an ordinary 235 without be perfectly fine?



Thanks in advance for any suggestions...

Why not have the original motor to the vehicle rebuilt? If you don't care about the originality, why not go for the biggest 6 cylinder you can get?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with either the original 216 which will be difficulkt to find remanufactured or a 55+ 235 car engine if you want something a little stronger and quiter. For what you have described you only be wasting $ on a 261. The 292 would require a different bell housing as I recall.

And BTW..WELCOME aboard.

216 or 235 both good engines and easiest fit basically they will just bolt right in, the difference between solid lifters and hydraulic lifters is valve train noise.

A more relevant question is babbit rod bearings verses insert type, and pressure verses dipper oiling.

unless there is something horribly wrong with your engine find someplace local that will rebuild what you have.
Or find a rebuilt 235.

My 51 3/4 ton will be running the 216 and 4 speed and will be expected to do 65 frequently.

These are fairly simple engines you don't have to be a master mechanic to rebuild one with advice from a good machine shop it's within the abilities of many people

Thanks for the info - I was looking at the technology of the engines over the different years - so hydraulic lifters are quieter, cool. Thanks #513600.

Dave I greatly appreciate your perspective on not wanting to waste bucks on something that ultimately isn't going to change what I want to do AND welcoming me to the board.

Jomichael the reason I don't have it rebuilt is more a demand of time. This is my daily ride - down time needs to be minimal. Today I sent my generator off to be rebuilt - I'm not sure why it froze up, but it did. Now I have to ask my wife if she can give me a ride, or if I can borrow her car. (She is nearly toxic with power now).

I was figuring since I've decided to go 12 volt, and I got some bucks - why not upgrade? If I'm going to upgrade - what makes the most sense? And I think, I'm going to opt for a '54 or '55 235ci remanufactured engine - my truck has never been quite, doesn't seem that a motor with hydraulic lifters won't significantly change things.

Thanks guys!

You might also want to include the 1953 235 powerglide engine to your list. This was the first Chevy engine with insert bearings and high pressure lubrication and hydraulic lifters. It is also a drop-in replacement. No mods needed to the waterpump, and the front is punched from the factory for the motor mount.

Kurt

Hi Kurt thats a great suggestion and pretty much exactly what I was looking for - I'm trying to learn the technologies used and the reason "why" changes were made - and did those changes measure up? Were advances making enduring differences. Like 6 volt vs 12 volt.. Babbit bearings vs insert - splash lubrication vs high pressure - it's interesting.