The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop PowerGlide and non PowerGlide engines

Purchased a 51 chevy truck which I intend to rebuild. The first snag is buying the correct parts to rebuild the 235 engine.
All of the parts books list parts for PG and non PG engines. Appears to be a difference in the Camshaft and lifters.
Some books list main bearings for both PG and non PG.
How about it can someone please explain this to me.

Hy smiller, welcome, if your trucks engine is the original one then it will be a non Powerglide engine, (Powerglides were only available in cars), If you post the number stamped into the block just behind the distributor, we should be able to identify exactly what engine you are working with, hope that helps.

Early PG cars used hydraulic lifters so the cams (and lifters naturally) are different. and they still made 216 splash oilers so that accounts for the journal differences. It was about 50-52' or thereabouts. It was a transition period for Chevrolet. So the engine application is important to finding the correct parts. There are many who can explain it better and in more detail if you want. Also you can find the info in the search area with patience.

Oh...and WELCOME aboard.

The 1953 powerglide engine was the first Chevy engine that had high pressure lubrication, and hydraulic lifters and insert bearings. The grind of camshaft was different from the solid lifter 235s because of the hydraulic lifters, and I think in mid 54 the journal size of the cam was increased. The rods were different because of the insert bearings, and the oil pump was also different due to the higher pressure.

Lot of changes happened in the car and truck 235 from 1950 to 1955. So it is important to get the right ID.

Pre68Dave is the real expert here.

Kurt

We need pictures or some numbers to be sure of what you have.
One small correction Kurt, not that it matters and it may be just the way you worded it, 1950 was the first hydraulic lifter 235.

Yeah, I meant the first engine that had all three items together, (Hydraulic lifters, high pressure, insert bearings)

Kurt

1953 235 engine
Powerglide engine (first Powerglde transmission) in 1950
Full (high) pressure 235 (first in 1953)
Hydraulic lifters (first in 1950)
Insert (rod) bearings (first in 1953)

I have a '53 no-Power Glide engine and it came with insert rods too. I have another 235 that is a '49 and it is a Babbitt Sprayer and I did tear it down and installed a Power Glide '53 oil pump and pickup tube. It did take a bit of machine work but the increase of oil pressure did show on the stock gauge. Both are still running and both are 100,000 mile engines now. I do change my oil (30 wt) every month, need it of not. Both have Canister filters too. Both are now backed up by T-5's out of a 4 cylinder S-15 and the ratios are great. Yes, I did have to get an adapter but man it is worth it. Oh, both are now running open drive lines too out of old Pontiac's that had stick transmissions. I changed out the gear ratio's to 3:55's also. In 5th both are turning about 2,000 RPM at 60 with 34" rear radial tires.

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Does your '53 non-PG engine still have the dippers on the rods and the troughs and nozzles in the pan? According to all the literature only '53 PG engines had full-pressure lube to the rods (drilled crankshaft) and insert rod bearings....
But having the rods machined for insert bearings has been around for a loooong time. Could the engine have been modified in the past?
Sounds like you have 2 great running old 6's. Congrats.