The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '37 chevy

i'm new to stovebolt, and still trying to find my way around. my fire department has a partially restored '37 chevy/sanford fire apparatus. it has a 216cu motor that is bad. i would like to replace it with a 235 gmc, i think about a '41. are they interchangeable? also will the head from the 216 fit the 235? the head has been reworked for the ethanol gas. thanks

stiffy,

Welcome to Stovebolt.com

Where are you located in NY?

What type of fire apparatus?

You'd most likely be looking for a 235 Chevrolet truck engine (unless you find a 235 on a Canadian GMC).

Your 216 head was probably interchangeable with 235 blocks up through 1949 (I am not sure of early 216s). I think it can be made to work with 235 blocks up through 1952.

Here are locations of codes for IDing the year of the engine that you now have. There were some differences between early 216s and later 216s.

From 1953 upwards, 235s (and 1954 and later 261s) had a different number of head bolts than on the 216s.

Others here should know about the engine-mount and transmission/clutch/flywheel compatibility issues are.

There also might be a water pump clearance issue, depending on the year 235 that you get.

You should consider looking for a later 235: 1954 upwards. The later the years, the higher the compression and hp (but, that might be of minimal importance).

There are all sorts of minor differences in 235s, when you find an engine, identify the year of the block and head (and identify its original use - car/truck) and post that information here.

Good luck.

1937-40 216's had dome pistons. If you use one of these heads on a 1941-49 235 you will be very low on compression. 1941 was the first year for the 235.
You should be able to find a good 216 as they are being scrapped out all the time(even good ones).
The other option would be to swap out for a later 235, as Tim mentioned.

sorry about the delay replying. things been a bit hectic. located in glenville, n.y., about 20 miles west of albany. it is a 1937 chevy/sanford pumper. the registration only says 1937 chev flat rd.

Sniffy,

Chevrolet used the 216 for many years, it's a good motor and for the limited use the fire truck will get I would recomend replacing it with a 216...Keeps it simple!

There are tons of running 216 engines available. Place a want ad here in the Stovebolt and see what pops up! Someone may donate it to the fire company for the tax write-off...

Mike B