236 to 216 bellhousing?

This is a update from my Faye the Chevrolet terminally ill post...

I've found a 235 engine out of a 55 Chevy truck that looks like a good candidate. Will this engine work with my current bellhousing?

Stacey

 

I believe the bellhousing WILL bolt up to a 235, but there are other subtle issues...the water pump and pulley length interferes with the radiator I think...DirtyT would know better...he actually LIKES those engines...I just rip 'em out and trash 'em!

 

Here's the breakdown on the swap.

Your 216 bellhousing will work with the 235. Also use the 216 flywheel and pressure plate, this will allow you to use the starter you have now.

Mounting for the 235 is different. Your 216 should have two square "biscuit" mounts on the front of the engine, mounted to the plate behind the timing cover. The 235 will not have provisions for these mounts. No problem, drill corresponding holes in the 235 plate and bolt it in.

Waterpump length on the 235 is longer. No need for fancy adapter kits or anything here either. Take the '55 water pump pulley off and ebay it. Get a regular sbc small water pump pulley. Remove the water pump, and in a press press the hub down the shaft until the pulley will line up with the other pulleys. Cut the excess off the shaft and mount the fan.

Thats it. Done. Simple as that... That's how I would do it, have done it..been fooling with '49-'54's for a while now..longer than I want to admit.

Any questions I'll be glad to help.

Brian

 

some 235s are front mounted like 216s and some are side mounted