The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 engine oil system modification

I know a lot of people will go to a 235 over the 216 but I remember reading something on making a 216 a full pressure system. Does anybody know anything about this and how much it would cost.

TOO much to justify! I was of your thinking until a year ago, Switched to a 235 and would never spend more than a few dimes on a 216 splash er. The Feel, Performance , reliability, etc of the 235 is unequaled! Just my humble opinion, Jerry Mathiowetz

Too much time and effort to spend on a 216. A 235 is a much better swap, but keep in mind that even all 235 were splash oilers until they were made full pressure in 1953, so the year model is important or you don't really gain any advantage over the swap except in cubic inches.

Thanks for the info on it. What I may do is get a 235 and latter drop the 216 back in it just so I can feel what it's like to drive one.

Zach B: Cheap hot rod trick. How to get 50 more horse power from a 216? Replace it with a 235. 90 HP from a stock 216 later version, 140 from a 234 with hydraulic lifters. About $200 for one if you can find it. Can't do that with a small block. Not for $200 anyway. That is why the change is so popular. The 235 is safe to run at higher RPM over longer time so what is not to like? Use the Truck front mount and it bolts right in. Deal with the fan to radiator clearance and you are done. Same flywheel same clutch and same bell housing. Same starter and same generator. Same points and regulator if you keep it 6 volts so no charges there. Same manifold if you like. 235 is worth rebuild if needed or find another one lots out there. To make a 216 into a full pressure motor you have to drill the crankshaft to deliver oil to the rods. You need to machine the rods to accept an insert bearing and...still get 90 HP. Bet that cost more than the 235. If you want a stock preservation or restoration truck then by all means rebuild the 216. Your choice for sure.

Fat finger the motor meant 235. By all means get a 55 or later 235 if that is what want. the early ones are no better than the 216. No worse either.

I actualy have access to a 58 235 sitting in my grandfathers 55 first. If he ever dops a 350 in it like is says he will then I have my 235. The whole truck has to be rewired, needs a bed too because in the 60s somebody converted it to a flat bed, and I need to take it apart for paint. Also if I run this thing with the 235 does anybody know how it will afect my unsynchronized 4 speed. I know everything will bolt up providing I use the original bell housing but I don't have any idea how it will affect my ability to drive the truck.

Truck will drive fine. Trans will work just like it did before. More motor..is a good thing. Makes it easier to drive if anything. I don't think there is much difference in the weight between the two engines so that won't be an issue. I can't think of a downside except the pure restoration thing. That is an issue for some folks. You will have to deal with the fan to radiator spacing. Not that hard. And one of the guys on this site has an adapter for the water pump to help with that, contact him.

Actually have an old magazine on souping up different 6 cylinders from back in the 40's early 50's. It claimed one could get 120 hp from a 216 engine..... But the time, money, verses find a 235, I'd go 235...

John

Thanks for the info. I use a 216 for a while just to get the feel but if a 235 is that much better I probably will do the swap