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

I acquired an engine and transmission from a 1956 Chevy. It is the 6 cylinder 235. I want to replace the 216 engine that is in my 1950 Styleline Deluxe. Not worried about keeping it original because the engine in her now is from a '49 pick-up. (I think it is from a pick-up because it holds almost 8 quarts of oil.) I know I will be changing out the water pump using an adapter plate. The "new" engine and transmission I have has only about 60,000 miles on them. It's been a long time since I did an engine swap in something like this. Enough small talk. Can I pull the 216 engine and transmission and just drop in the (1956) 235 engine and transmission? Both transmissions are 3 speeds. Or, will I need to use the transmission that was on the 216? If I use the "216" transmission, I know I will need to change out the bell housing, fly wheel and starter. Thanks again guys... Jeff

Swapping the engine itself has been done many times. Go to the Stovebolt forum or just Google “235 for 216 swap” or terms like that.

Using the ‘56 transmission presents an interesting challenge. It is designed for an open driveshaft. There have been a few other posts in this forum asking about that swap. I have never heard of a successful solution.

My first car was a ‘50 Styleline 2 door sedan with a ‘55 235. That was in 1965.

Well, I guess I will be using the 1949 water pump, Bell housing, Starter, Flywheel and Transmission. I am thinking about pulling engine and transmission in one piece. "Reconstructing" the 50/56 engine and transmission and dropping back in all together. I will then have a (almost) complete 1949 truck engine (deep oil pan) and a complete 56 - 3 speed transmission for sale.

That sounds like a good plan.

After you have the 216 out check the castings numbers on the head and block as well as the serial number stamped on the engine block. That will help confirm which engine you have. The large oil pan will fit multiple years of engines.

Start advertising the engine and transmission for sale as soon as you can. There are fewer and fewer customers for these old components and shipping is always a major factor, especially for an engine. You should consider placing an ad in the G&D.

What's wrong with the ol' 216? I recommend that you leave it alone until you've done all your homework on the swap.

For instance:

a. Is the 49 engine really a 49? How about the 56 engine, is it really a 56?

b. Does the 49 engine really hold 8 quarts of oil?

c. Does the 49 engine have the correct dipstick?

d. What do you expect to gain by the swap? Maybe less oil being slapped around in there owing to overfills?

e. Is there a compelling need for the swap?

f. Could you sell the 235 and just keep the 216? (That would save you some time and aggravation.

g. Can you actually use the old water pump?

Seems mysterious to me. Sometimes it is better to let things alone and just maintain and enjoy what you got.

Good luck with whatever your decision happens to be.

Charlie

If you decide to use the 235 you might consider 'freshening' the engine. Back in the 50's the average life before rebuilding was between 70 to 80 thousand miles.

Hey Charlie ! Haven't seen posting from you for quite a while. I guess this means you doing OK with your usual sense of humor.

Dick