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| | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 | Which is better overall?
My original 235 needs some work, maybe a lot of it... which I can't afford at the current time... saving for school and all. I have a buddy who has a 230 from his truck (swapped a V8 for it). He's gonna give it to me for pennies pretty much, and I'm gonna keep my 235, and fix it up a couple years down the road (maybe), after school.
Just looking for some pro's and cons of the 230 over the 235, and major/minor changes that would need to happen to mount it in my 54.
thanks fellas,
Graham | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,456 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,456 | Why not find out what is wrong with the 235 first?
The 230 is not a direct bolt up, more in common with chevy V8 as far as mounting than a 235.
Lets us know what issues the ol' 6 has, I've seen more than one that was "shot" only to need a few simple repairs, might be your lucky day!
BC
1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc
1949 GMC 250 project in waiting
1960 C60 pasture art
Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | You can probably find a good used 235 to put in cheaper than what it will cost to install a 230 into your truck. As mentioned above, spend some time and see what it would take to get your 235 fixed up. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,248 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,248 | For the 230 you'd need the bellhousing and clutch. But you would also need to make engine mounts (230 has side mounts on the block, the 235 has mounts on the front of the engine and on each side of the bell housing.
Like they are saying above, check out the old engine first. Might not need as much as you think.
John | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 | Well I know/have determined that I need to rebuild my head... determined that through a cylinder leakdown test (procedure provided by Hotrod Lincoln). I havent seen how the cylinder walls, pistons, rings, etc look yet.
And I'm not set on the swap... just exploring options and getting opinions from all you experts! The 230 would come with the bellhousing, but not the mounts
Last edited by GMJager; 10/26/2013 2:09 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 331 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 331 | If the 230 is any good it will be much more pleasant to drive. They are quieter and have close to 50% more power in stock form than most stock (let alone wore out) 235s. There's also more speed parts available for them. The only downside is the fabrication required to mount it. It would be worth it in my opinion.
1950 4100 - unrestored and driven weekly for almost no reason at all.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,248 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,248 | Yeah the 230 is a more modern design than the 235 was. Would have hydraulic lifters over solid lifters of the 235 truck engine.
Also the 230 is a short stroke type engine, so it is happier at higher rpms.....
John | | |
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