216 to 235 upgrade.. How easy is it???

Hello all, need some advice on a engine upgrade for my 50 chevy 1/2 ton. I am looking to ditch the 216 in my truck for a full pressure oil 235. How easy is that? Will it just bolt up to my original 4 speed transmission? Do I need to change anything out? Any advice or pics would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Search the treads. Lots of info on this easy to do swap. Your biggest worry is the water pump which is not that big of a deal. Also, check out stovebolt.com and chevytrucks.org
plenty of info.

 

216 to a 235 is a straight swap as long as your 235 has the right mounts. I would ditch the original tranny and run a Saginaw or a T5 out of an S-10.

 

swapping the transmission requires swapping the rearend too....then you'll want to upgrade the brakes...it keeps going on and on

 

If you use a '54 235, it should be a direct bolt in. If you use a '55-'62 block, it will be a bolt in, but you have to deal with the longer water pump. What year 235 are you thinking about installing?

 

i have the same question.

 

If you like a six, think about a 261 with an 848 head. Just about the same effort but a somewhat stronger engine. Besides, the 261 has a greater "wow" factor than a 235.

 

I actually have a 292 on a stand that looks real nice. I really want to put that in. But I am sure I would have to change alot of stuff right?

 

The 292 requires a different bellhousing, as well as the mounts, linkage, brackets, etc are all different. The 235 is closer to being a bolt in swap. But the 235 isn't a whole lot different than a 216, either.

 

As has been said, if you don't want to end up changing half the truck, stick with a 235 or 261.

 

You could bolt a SBC V8 to the truck 4-speed too. I had a 52 Chev 1/2 ton that I put a 283 in.

 

Boy donsz you have it right in my book. I have a '59 216 bored .020 over with a full Roller cam and rockers (expensive but sure worth it!) and an HEI. The small block V-8 folks know it when I pull past them. I'm using multiple Weber carburetors and they are a pleasure to work with.
Normbc9

 

I went with 1956 235 in my 1949 chevy truck. The 56 has full oil pressure. The only thing I didn't like was the carb had changed. The old air cleaner didn't fit. I had to change the motor mounts from sides to front. Just drilled acouple of holes in the timing cover plate no big deal. Just put a piece of wood or something in the way so you don't drill into the cover. Use your old bellhousing for the mounts and starter if you like the foot starter as I did. Jim Carters as a nice short shaft water pump.

 

The V8 bell housing also fits the 292 I do believe.

 

I have a buddy of my how has a low mileage 292 with the 4 speed. Still in the 1968 tow truck. Riverside Ca. . I don't like the 292. If your trying to stay with the stock look the 292 won't work. Air filter, fuel pump , motor mounts, it will all have to be changed. I would stick with the late model 235 or 261.

 

The boys are right..... 235 or 261... but if you can choose.... the 7 main cap blocks are better.
They spin higher revs without worry.... Ask Leo Santucci

 

Being a truck, same amount of work you could have a V8 that has a real oil filter system and can go 3000 miles or better between changes. Not a lot of room to securely carry spare stuff if something breaks on a 235 that hasn't been made in 50 years itself.

 

What is a 7 main cap block?

 

I found it pretty easy. You must remove the linkage from the 216. If you have an original 3 on the tree or 2 speed powerglide it should not be a problem. The 235 gives more horse power especally if its the blue flame 235. I did the switch on my 50 Chevy was happy with the results.

 

Any six from the 194/230/250/292 family has seven main bearings. The older 216/235/261 sixes have four.

 

Okay thanks. The 194/230/250/292 all sound like GMC motors.

 

No, they used them in millions of Chevies as well. The old GMC six was the 228/248/270/302 variety, and also had four mains, although the lower end was beefier than the early Chevy was.

 

They're chevy motors, from the 1960s on. They replaced the 216/235/261

 

Why confuse the issue? He ask about changing from 216 to a 235, about the easiest swap he can do. GENERALLY a straight bolt i, instant more power. PATRICKS of Az is your best helper.
There, thats it. Easy, aint it?
Rod

 

http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/articles.html
Patrick knows his shit

 

fat141: Note above. This is the way I'd go. Modern engine. Parts available anywhere cheaper. Better. Bigger. It is here, now. It is not a drop in but wouldn't be all that bad.

 

Spot on! No need to complicate a simple swap that's been done a million times already.

 

I know what the title says, if you read post #8 he says he has a 292 and would like to put it in.

 

but he made the title 216 to 235 swap? maybe he isnt settled?

 

If I remember correctly he says the 292 is the one he would "really like to put in." Seems settled on what he'd "really like" but was wondering if it would be possible or would have to stick with the old stuff.