VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1956 engine to 1950

I have a 1950 styleline with a 3 speed transmission. The 1950 has a 1949, 216 truck engine (The1949 engine has an oversized oil pan holding 7+ quarts of oil). I just ran across a 235 engine and 3 speed transmission from a 1956 with under 6,5000 miles. OK, I was planning on upgrading to a 235 anyway. I just am going to do it a little sooner than later. If my memory serves me right, it should be a very simple swap. Just pulling the 216 engine and 3 speed and dropping in the 235 engine and transmission. No changing of mounts or anything else. Just a "plug and play". It's been a few years since I worked on one of these. If I am wrong, please let me know and thanks to all... Jeff

It will fit fine but there will be necessary modifications such as engine mounts. Do your research before attempting so you will know the changes and can be prepared rather than frustrated.

M006840 has given you some good advice. As well as the engine mounts, the driveshaft arrangement is completely different (open for 1956, closed for 1950). As well, you should take some measurements before trying to drop in your new power plant to ensure there is enough room (e.g from rad to firewall) for it to fit. Chances are it'll slip in nicely, but better to know beforehand that things seem OK rather than finding out in the midst of the operation that they aren't. Good luck, and let us know how it all works out!

It might be a slightly simpler swap if you mate the 235 engine to your current transmission. I have never heard of anyone adapting an open driveline transmission to a closed driveshaft rear axle. I'm not saying it a cannot be done, i have just never heard of it.

Spend some time reading through information on the Stovebolt forum Their is a lot of detail about the 235 to 216 swap. Water pumps can be a little tricky based on what I have read.

The transmission that is in the 1950 works fine. I think I will do the simpler way. Change flywheel, bell housing and starter. Then do the water pump conversion on the 235 and swap engines.

Check out www.stovebolt.com/techtips/engine_swap_216.htm

OK, I got the back of the engine figured out. Use the bell housing, fly wheel and the starter from the 216 and it will bolt directly to the 216 transmission.

But, Now I am now totally confused in regards to the water pump. Some places say use parts from the 316 and press them onto the 235. Other places say never do it, it is dangerous. Some say it will just fit in, some places say the fan will be to low or hit the radiator. Get an adapter plate and drill it out. Never drill the block. Like I said, I'm confused. Using the 1956-235 engine in the 1950, what is the best thing to do with the water pump?

There are many that have done this swap over on the Stovebolt using the old style water pump and the relocation plate. Everything fits as original with it. You will probably want to use the 216 crankshaft pulley to keep the belt setup the same. There is a decision as to the carb and manifold. Some use the 216 manifold and carb. The 235 exhaust manifold may not be at the right angle to bolt up to your exhaust,