The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1951 216 to 1957 235 engine swap

I am getting ready to install a 1957 235 into my 1951 216 1/2 pickup. Do the engine mounts of the 216 work for the 235? If not what do I need to do?

Hy Gary Fantasky, welcome, yes you can transfer the 216 mounts to the 235. You can swap the bellhousings, you must remove the clutch/flywheel because some of the bellhousing retaining bolts are behind the flywheel. If the front of the 235 does not have the correct front mount plate, then you can swap the one from the 216. The front plate swap is a bit more complicated, both engines must have their cams removed to accomplish this. The water pump on the 235 is longer than the 216 water pump, there are at least a couple of ways to deal with that problem, you can purchase a special short shaft water pump, or you can purchase an adapter plate to allow you to use the 216 water pump on the 235, that option keeps the fan in the right position on the radiator, hope that helps.

Thank you for your advise! My 235 does have a plate under the timing gear cover that look like the one on my 216. Is this the "mount plate" that you are referring to? I purchased a short shaft water pump so I think I have this covered. I planning on swapping engines this weekend so I am trying to plan for any problems.

Hy Gary Fantasky, yes the "front mount plate" is the one under the timing gear cover. Good luck with your swap, please keep us informed of your progress.

Completed the 57 235 installation into my 51 1/2 ton. The fan clearence between the harmonic balancer and the radiator is less than 2 inches. This required a modified flex fan but the results are a smooth running engine.