I have some questions about building my chevy

first let me say my car runs!..but....the master cylinder is broke....and the engine is a 216 babbat rod ....after talking to some gray beards im pretty sure it has been converted to 12 volts and it has a add on air conditioner....now my questions....I want to drive this thing !!!!! but iv been told the 216 wont hold up driving 55-60 mph for long periods of time..so im looking for the easiest fix to get her on the road to enjoy. if i throw in a 235 will i have to do anything to mate it up to my 3spd manual?....will i have to change the rear end ?....drive shaft?....and last do you think i should rebuild or replace my master cylinder or go straight to a disk setup up front and the master cylinder and pedal kit from waltons?.....I just want to start enjoying this thing!!!

 

anyone wanna give a newbie some advice?

 

First of all, what exactly is the car?

Second; 216's in good shape can handle a lot of abuse, they have a lot of bearing area, and the splash lubrication system worked extremely well. They went to insert type bearings in '49 I read the other day, then Powerglide cars got the 235 motor that was previously used optional in trucks, and this was a splash motor. In '53 the stick cars got the splash 235, but the Powerglide cars got pressure lube and hydraulic lifters, then in '54 even the stick cars got pressure. There is also a 261 inch motor out there, look in old dumptrucks and the like.

As far as swapping, there was a difference in water pumps, lower pulleys, motor mounts, but all can be overcome, give your specifics and someone on here will fill you in.

 

I have a 53 chevy 210 that came with the 216. It now has a 59 235. Everything mated up fine. The only thing that you might have to figure out is the motor mounts mine worked pretty well with little change. The other thing is I had to move my radiator forward about 2 inches. If you are going to change to a 235 go with a 55-62 model. Everything should swap right out with no problem. The only thing is you might have to get a differnet starter to fit your flywheel. it depends on which flywheel you have and how many teeth it has. http://www.Stovebolt.com and http://www.50chevy.com have all kinds of tech tips. Also http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/

Message me if you have any questions

 

What car are we talking about?

A 216 in good shape will be fine, especially if you get the rpms down, which would mean a rearend change for better gears. Does it still have a torque tube rearend in it?

You need to give us more background info as to what's in there for driveline currently.


1953 cars didn't come with 216's. Just the trucks.

 

I have a 53 bel-air that came with a 216 so i am thinking he has the same kind of car......

 

I apologize ...im kinda random in my speaking and typing ...my car is a 52 chevy and it has the 216 ..its on the arkansas car thread i started ...i was under the impression that the 216 was really useless for a daily ...and i was looking at swappin in a 235 but if i could cruse the 216 untill the motor swap plans are final it would be cool

 

Run whatca got and plan for a swap in the meanwhile. It's the american way.

 

If its a 52 - it is a 235. its just not a pressure 235 (probably) so you are still with the same problem - babbit bearings.

Dance with the one that brung ya - it will go lots of miles if you dont beat it.

 

a 53 powerglide 235 or a 54 235 anything would be a good choice as there are insert full pressure and bolt in. also a powerglide rear will bolt in and give a little better gear i would just rebuild your brakes and drive it.your not going to be driving fast enough to need disc brakes.

 

52 is a 216

 

swapping the rear end from a 53/54 car will get you a bit closer. up to 52 they had 4:11s i think. 3:70 for the 3psds and 3:55 for the glides.

 

I have a 53 Powerglide 235 mated to the original 3 speed in my 51 chevy, works fine, although it revs high with the 3 speed rear end.

 

Just a thought here.
Why would any early Chevrolet be inadequate for a daily driver except for the potential brake stop distance problem in a midget car disc brake world? The world traveled in these things when they were new and they didn't cross the US at 35-45MPH either.
The stopping distance problem can be compensated for by careful and very defensive driving, but the get down the road...pshaw just go to it!

 

I put a 58 235 powerglide motor in my 49 chevy, went in pretty easily with the exception of the motor mounts and water pump. I had to drill the front plate for the front mounts (easy), and since I didn't want to buy a high dollar after market water pump or move my radiator, I simply made an adapter plate that mounts the older style water pump to the newer motor. One of these days I'll actually start the damn thing and drive it!

 

not to start a battle here with moio273, but if you check what Chevy did, and it is the original engine (ie not previously swapped) it is a 235 and you can do lots with it or a swap is very easy with the prescribed 53 powerglide-62.

 

no battle....... my 52 has an original 216.5 with a manual tranny.
the powerglide cars had the 235. At least that's what I read somewhere........

 

And what are the numbers on this engine??

 

Yes, run it until you have the time/money to do what you want.

A 50-54 powerglide rearend will give you 3:55 gears. This is the best you can do without going to an open driveline. Regardless of the engine type, it would be a good idea to do this change if you intend to do any highway traveling.

As stated, the 53PG or 54 235's are the easiest to swap, but the 55-62 versions are useable also. Motor mounting and water pump are minor issues that can be resolved easily. 59-62 versions are the best internally.

 

in 1958 i was 16 and bought a 51 chev 2 dr. with a 3-speed. i drove the living shit out of that car for 3 yrs. still was running strong when i traded for a olds powered 40 2 dr.
riverrat

 

I bought my '49 2 yrs. ago.It has a 216 and it had sat for over 20 yrs.I've done all the basics to it (changed hoses,tune up,Fluids) and did a front brake upgrade(from a '51).I've put close to 1000 miles on it . I was followed by my fiance ,on the way to storage last week,and she called my on her cell and asked my why I was going so fast? It turns out the spedo is off and I was doing 77 mph.Sure it screams a little but I feel fairly comfortable on the highway . I have a 261 on my stand that will go in when the 216 blows but who knows how long that will be.... Fix it and drive it... PAUL