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crate motor or rebuild my Chevy 216 ?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by ed_v, Jul 18, 2008.

  1. ed_v
    Joined: Jun 2, 2008
    Posts: 242

    ed_v
    Member
    from Kentucky

    I recently purchase a 1950 Chevy 3/4 ton pickup. This is my very first project that is my own. When I first bought it I had big dreams of putting in a fuel injected SBC, putting in IFS with four wheel discs, converting it to a short bed, and so on. You know, the hot rod AD truck that has been done a million times
    The more I sit here and look at the photos on my computer of it, I kind of wouldn't mind just restoring it back to somewhat of it's original glory. It doesn't have to be authentic or perfect, just something I can fire up every once in a while and go for a sunday drive in the country or haul an atv with. I just kind of hate to see the original farm truck that it was loose it's charm.

    It has a 216 inline V6. I have never tried to rebuild a motor on my own (but I do have a fair amount of knowledge). This might be a good chance for me to give it a shot. Is it worth it or should I just get a new crate engine ? What are your thoughts ?.

    Ed
     
  2. kustombypook
    Joined: Oct 12, 2002
    Posts: 683

    kustombypook
    Member

    Rebuild the old engine. Everybody had to start somewhere, and inline 6's are pretty simple to rebuild.
     
  3. Dick Dake
    Joined: Sep 14, 2006
    Posts: 788

    Dick Dake
    Member

    It's not a inline V6, just an inline 6. I would look for a full flow 235 for it and yes it is worth it. Go with a better geared transmission and fix the brakes. I have this thing with dual reservoir cylinders but 4 wheel drum is fine. Wash, wax and drive.
    Post Pics
     
  4. Road Runner
    Joined: Feb 7, 2007
    Posts: 1,256

    Road Runner
    Member

    You got it right - restore the truck.
    Replace the 216 with a later full pressure 235 or 261.

    The Stovebolt forum has all the info you need and more....
     

  5. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,828

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    yeah what they said ^^^ 216's are for pure restorers.

    they have babbit bearings and no oil pressure to the bearings. not much good for longevity if you plan on driving much on the freeway.

    235 or 261. 54 or later.

    though if i'm not mistaken you can put regular bearings in a 216... not sureif there is a cure for the lack of oil pressure to the bearings,
     
  6. check out www.stovebolt.com lots of info there on upgrading your truck. where are the pic's of your truck?
     
  7. i found my 55 235 from a car in good running condition for $175 for my 58 pickup.
    Since then I found a complete engine and trans with everything for 400.
    Lots of folks have replaced the motors with 8s and can't give the originial stuff away.
    Put an ad on craigslist and here and I am sure you will find one
     
  8. i would go with the original if you are only going to drive it every once in an while. and in my experience straight sixes are very tough but simple motors. a good one to start on and the parts should be fairly ez to get a hold of. even your local napa should have most of them.
     
  9. Johnnyzoom
    Joined: Jun 23, 2006
    Posts: 319

    Johnnyzoom
    Member
    from Florida

    One more vote for rebuild or 235. I'm almost done with my first (230), nothing beats hands on tearing into a motor. You'll never think of driving the same again, and you'll have the confidence to fix it or others in the future.

    Those pickups are cool and full of character, and a Stovebolt is part of that.
     
  10. 6deucecaddy
    Joined: May 30, 2006
    Posts: 714

    6deucecaddy
    Member

    In my case I swapped the 3/4 ton chassis for a lighter 1/2 ton shortbed chassis. Theyre cheap. I paid $150 for my chassis. And I replaced my 216 for a 228 GMC.
     
  11. ed_v
    Joined: Jun 2, 2008
    Posts: 242

    ed_v
    Member
    from Kentucky

    Thanks for the suggestions guys. I really appreciate it. I kind of want to rebuild the 216 because I already have it but the lack of oil pressure bothers me. I'll have to think this one over. Thanks again.

    I knew that. Just a typo. Kind of hard to be a V when they're inline :).

    Ed
     
  12. panic
    Joined: Jan 3, 2004
    Posts: 1,450

    panic

    My taste?
    Do what they would have done in 1954 - swap in the biggest GMC you can find. Original hot-rod, almost a drop-in, traditional appearance and sound, much more power.
     
  13. zman
    Joined: Apr 2, 2001
    Posts: 16,730

    zman
    Member
    from Garner, NC

    yep, I'd go with the later "car" 235 with hydraulic lifters as well...

    a dual intake and some split exhaust.... a T-5 and a better rearend (mostly for gearing)...
     
  14. Big T
    Joined: Aug 29, 2006
    Posts: 638

    Big T
    Member
    from Florida

    There is no 'crate' 216 I'm aware of... or even 235 or 261. If there is, somebody let me know.
     
  15. zman
    Joined: Apr 2, 2001
    Posts: 16,730

    zman
    Member
    from Garner, NC

    He's talking a crate motor or rebuild the 216. i.e. a SBC crate motor. Reading is fundamental, comprehension is not. :eek::D
     
  16. hobbyjp
    Joined: Mar 14, 2006
    Posts: 330

    hobbyjp
    Member
    from socal

    You should keep the 216. The motor might not need a full rebuild maybe some rings and a valve job. I hate when I go to a car show or event and you see nothing but the same 350 in almost every car. here is a page from California bills speed book. they were raced tons of oil dippin inline sixes. You can find the book on ebay and any chevy/ GMC inliner should have it.
    [​IMG]
     
  17. Dick Dake
    Joined: Sep 14, 2006
    Posts: 788

    Dick Dake
    Member

    That is an excellent book, however, a 235 will do a better job. There is also a 270 Jimmy for sale in the classifieds right now.
     
  18. I had a '48 1/2-ton with a 216 and three-on-the-old-tree. Keeping up with traffic usually wasn't enough- I was passing lots of people- I think I kind of had something to prove. I went through a rear end, transmission, and engine, which was replaced with a "it looks like it was rebuilt before it sat" non-splasher 235. I couldn't get the front brake drums it needed. A friend of the family bought it and may be storing it for me. Anyway, I'd probably hang out on a stovebolt forum and ask for the easier fixes. How much money to fix the 216 would probably be the deciding factor on keeping it or replacing it with a slightly newer six-banger. Especially since you say you just want to putt around occasionally. I'd keep it 6-Volt and foot starter, get split exhaust manifolds and add glasspaks.

    Thanks,
    Kurt
     
  19. It's not the lack of a pressurized rod oil system that will kill a 216 at highway speeds, it's the rev/min. Most of the cars/trucks of that era had low (4:10sih) rear gears that utililzed the low power that the engines made. You could make a 216 live if you swap the rear gears to something like a 3.23.

    That said, for your application, I'd get a 53- later 235 or even a 261 if you can find it. They bolt right to your tranny, but offer some more "peace of mind" if you're concerned.

    I have a 1950 216 in the garage myself. I would like to use it in a modified someday... Alot of my peeps (cough FatHack cough) keep riding me about it being a scatterbolt six, but I ain't skeert. I just have to build a car to put it in. ;)

    Good luck either way!

    Jay
    Stovebolter from way back (well, at least 1998)
     
  20. I got a rebuilt 216 I will let go for 300 bucks, it has never been started since the rebuild.
     
  21. ron puga
    Joined: Jul 19, 2008
    Posts: 7

    ron puga
    Member

    i am looking for a 216 motor for a 1941 chevy sedan. what upper desert do you live. you may be close. call ron 818 4223216 or [email protected]. or even the bottom end of the motor
     
  22. acadian_carguy
    Joined: Apr 23, 2008
    Posts: 795

    acadian_carguy
    Member

    I've gotta vote for putting in a '54 or newer 235 6 as well. Even if you had to get someone else to re-build one for you, or get a re-built one, it would be better than a SBC. I don't think there is one opinion on this thread saying go for a SBC.
     
  23. ron puga
    Joined: Jul 19, 2008
    Posts: 7

    ron puga
    Member

    i am looking for a 216 motor for my 1941 chevy sedan or a bottom end. if you can help me out. that will help me out 818-422-3216 or [email protected] thanks ron
     
  24. MistGreen50
    Joined: Dec 29, 2005
    Posts: 228

    MistGreen50
    Member
    from Belen,NM

    I beg to differ,I have been smashing around with this 216 for the last 4 months since I finished the car,including freeway use doing 65mph....
    [​IMG]
     
  25. MistGreen50
    Joined: Dec 29, 2005
    Posts: 228

    MistGreen50
    Member
    from Belen,NM

    there is,just got to know where to find them,I have three- 1-216 & 2-235's
     

  26. Sent ya a e-mail.
     
  27. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,013

    belair
    Member

    235-easy, cheap, fast, and good-where else are you gonna get all 4?
     
  28. fuel
    Joined: May 14, 2008
    Posts: 218

    fuel
    Member

    One more vote for a '54 and up 235. The only problem you may have in the swap is you may need a short water pump. No biggie, if that's the case, I think they are about $140 from Patrick's.

    If you want to sup it up a little, splitting the manifold and running two carbs will really bring the little engine to life. I would suggest a 2 Carb Fenton Intake and Fenton Exhaust Manifold. I believe they are just a straight bolt on. I went with an Offy Intake and a cheap exhuast manifold and I had some fitment issues.

    Go to www.stovebolt.com and also call Patrick's. I can't remember the full name of Patrick's but you can do a search and find it.
     
  29. old dirt tracker
    Joined: Sep 20, 2006
    Posts: 1,003

    old dirt tracker
    Member
    from phoenix

    a 216 in a 3/4 ton is a parade truck. 45 mph and it is straining. if this is ok than go for it. even with any v/8 or a 235 6 you will need a higher gear to make it drivable. a higher gear rear end or a overdrive trans.
     
  30. Yelton57
    Joined: Sep 12, 2007
    Posts: 62

    Yelton57
    BANNED

    we put a crate 235 in a '61 bubbletop ss cyl car that we restored, (no lie) dont know where it was ordered from, im just the bondo bitch, but i can find out.
     

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