VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Engine Options for the "Filthy Fleetline"

Hi All,

I have a gross '50 Fleetline that I'm playing around with. It has a cracked 216 block so I'm weighing options to get something that runs in between the frame rails. I have a '53 low-pressure 235 engine that allegedly runs but it doesn't have the drilled front plate. I also have access to a running '49 216 truck motor. What's the best idea?

1. Buy the 216 and run it? (what are the differences besides bellhousing if any for a truck vs car block?)

2. Drill the 235 front plate and run that since I have it? Can you swap plates between the 216 and 235?

Thanks for the advice.

Yes, you can swap the front plate. If you measure carefully you can also drill the plate in the '53.
Cleon

I would choose the engine that is in the best condition. I understand this is difficult to determine since neither are running.
There is no difference in the truck and car engine other thanm if the truck had an 11" clutch you would use the flywheel, etc. from your 1950.
Also being a truck engine the front plate MAY not be drilled for the car front mounts.
The 1953 235 engine would have to be complete with manifolds, carburetor, etc.
Swaping front plates involves removing the oil pan, camshaft, etc. If you do, the the oil passage behind the plate should be cleaned out (good) and the timing gears replaced.

Thanks guys. This is helpful reference. I will clean out the garage and check the '53 235 and start removing things. You guys are 100% sure the plates are interchangable from the 216 & 235? I don't want to ruin an original plate if I don't have to

The plate changed in 1954 when the higher lft cam was used and the lobes were taller. This required a larger cam opening in the plate. The 1937-1953 will interchange although to minor improvements I wouldn't install an older one on a 1949 and up.
Note that the intake passages and exhaust opening is slightlty larger on the 235 so a little "engineering" may be necessary to hook up the exhaust pipe to the manifold.

Since you're getting into major work, if me, I would wait for a "full pressure" 235.

Oh I would love to, but the price for this stuff is right. It gives me an excuse to clean up what I have in the garage (junk according to my wife) and give something a second life. I would love a later 235, some upgrades and an overdrive...but that's for later. I just want to make some smoke & fun happen.

Thanks again for the help gents.

Understood

I have an extra 216?

I agree with Bob and Gene. If the 53 gives up the ghost and/or keep your eyes open for a good high pressure 54or later 235.

I run a 54 235 truck motor in my 51 and it screams. It has a little more torque than my 216 so I take it easy with the 51 manual trans it's bolted up to.
Enjoy the ride!

Rick,

The 235 reminds me of the 4 cylinder engine that was in my 8N F**d tractor. It just ran and ran and ran, with no complaints.

Hope you're finished shoveling snow for the season.