The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop engine swap chevy 216 to gmc 228

hey everyone im new here and my question is will a chevy 216 swap for a truck gmc 228.

what i got:

A 1950 chevy fleetline with a cracked 216 block and a 3 speed, the motor runs but id rather not keeping running like this.
i also have a gmc 228 truck engine with out the trans. it was given to me and id like to use the 228 if it has potently of working.
i know you can do the 216 to a 235 swap but that's not what i have right now, id like to keep the car on the road as the rest comes together.

if anyone could help that be great
fleetline50

Yes it can be done, but it will take work. The 228 is longer, so the radiator will have to be pushed forward and a front mount will have to be fabricated. For what you will gain, I would look for a 235 engine with a possible trade.

X2 on what george said.

The chevy bell will work with the gmc motor. As stated above, the challenge will be in shoe-horning the longer engine in the compartment. It can be done, but...

The GMCs had a different front mount. The front crossmember will need to be modified.

This was a pretty common swap back in the day. However before you go through all that work make sure this GMC is in perfect condition, no cracks in the head. I owned one some years ago and turned out the head was cracked and had to locate a replacement. Well turns out every head I found was also cracked ALL the machinists told be to go with a 235.

Before you swap the engine check your title. If the engine number was used as the VIN on the title and you remove that engine you'll need to re-title your truck.

He's in PA like me, they title using the VIN number on the car, but wouldn't hurt to check for sure....
I'd always heard the Chevy 6 was prone to cracking in the heads between the intake and exhaust seats. I've only run across one myself cracked like that.

John

It was common pre '56 for states to use the engine number. With the number of titling questions we get on the 'bolt because a truck was titled with the engine number and the engine has been changed without re-titling, it never hurts to be cautious.

thanks for the help guys. ill keep looking for that 235 it seems to be the best bet and keeps the characteristics of the car.
The hardest part will be the front motor mount since it is on the front cross member instead of on the side.

another question i wasn't sure about was will the 3 speed still work with the gmc 228 or should i use a 4 speed?

Actually the gmc 228 has the same mount as a 216. It will mount about 2 inches further forward on the crossmember. So the crossmember may need to be modified, or an adapter plate may need to be fabricated.

my 216 has side motor mounts and the 228 has front mounts. an adapter plate will probably work

Your 216 might be a 230, 250, or 292. Where is the distributor on that motor.

the distributor in on the passenger side of the car

The 216/235/261 230/250/292 all have the distributer on the passenger side, but they are in different locations on the block the 216/235/261 engines have them more towards the center of the block and the 230/250/292 engines have them at the front of the engine closer to the radiator. If you are asking the question on "if" the engine will work, I would say stay with the same engine family 216/235/261 engine, mounting them will be a lot easier.

Your passenger car has unique side mounts, so best bet is to locate a motor that had those same mounts. You'll be limited to a few years that are also full pressure, 54 blocks will be the one you want, has full pressure oiling, side mounts and the high water pump like your 216. Happy hunting.
Go to Patrick's Antique cars & trucks online catalog has pictures of all the various mounts.
http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/
If your motor has front mount then that's even easier, swap front mounting plate to any later 235.

i didnt think any 216 had side mounts?..i thought they went to side mounts in 53 in the cars.. i have a 54 belair i am parting out with the 235 side mount engine..

Sorry missed that this was in a car.