I've been searching for a 235 to put in my '53 sedan. Found a guy that has one for $200. But it has center bolt valve covers like a 216. He says it's a 235 out of a '53. My question is, are these any better than the 216? Are they babbit engines with the splash type oiling systems or are they upgraded? He sent me the cast number off the block, have not had a chance to search for a decoder yet.
I'd pass on that one. Look at the side cover. The 216 and Babbitt beater 235 had the side cover that came up and covered the side of the head while on the pressure oiling 235 the side cover came just up to the top of the block. If it were me I'd look for a late 50's or early 60's 235. Preferably a good runner that someone is pulling out to replace with a V8. Or put a later 250 or 292 in it and drive the wheels off it.
I gave $200 for my 235, a full pressure 1960, already had pertronix in it too. They are out there, alot of people going with smallblocks and practically giving them away. Keep lookig, post some wanted ads, see what you get.
Since were on the subject when did they make the switch to full pressure ? Ive also heard of full flow, is that different from full pressure or just a slang term ? I have a rebuilt 55 235 and have been wondering which one it is... Thanks, and sorry for the Hi jack but Im sure the info is benificial to the OP as well.
The 1953 powerglide cars came with a full pressure 235. Manual trans cars still had the babbit motor.
Full pressure usually refers to the rod bearings being lubed thru the crank, instead of "splash" oiling. Full flow refers to the oil filter system, 261 engines had large oil passages to the remote filter and back into the lube system so all the oil is filtered, while the 216 and 235 had a small bypass type oil filter, it filtered a little oil and returns it to the pan.
Crap. Thanks for the info. I've came across a bunch of I6s, but none close. I was hoping this was the one, but I don't really want to waste my time on a babbit engine.
I have [3] 235 eng . a 1962 a1958 & a1955 all are complete --were running when removed but will need to be rebuilt---- your choice $ 100 each
nothing wrong with 216s/early 235s. You may not be able to hit 80 on the freeway but the point is not to get there fast but to get there in style.
I'd buy all three if it was within a couple hours drive. Memphis is obviously a ghost town for 235s...
You said it. I was determined to replace the 216 in my truck but after rebuilding to enjoy while looking, she does just fine and will be staying. x2 on inliners.com and stovebolt.com
and just so it's said, Ive run all over Tx, Ks, Ok in my 52 with a rebuilt 216... and I do hwy speeds with no issues and even push 80 in short bursts. Yes they are slugs, but reliable as hell and not nearly as "fragile" as they're made out to be.
Just a side note; when I got my dad's '51 Chevy 3800 (one ton) pickup back on the road, I gave it the gun and brought that old 216 up to 75 mph for about half a mile. Talk about buzzin'! The old babbit pounder still works fine. If the brakes cylinders weren't shot, I'd still be driving the pi$$ out of it. Oh yeah, it has 5.14:1 diff. gears and 7.50-17 tires. I'm sure glad nobody pulled out in front of me, I would have killed them.
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