VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Engine Replacement

Hi members,
I recently purchased a 46 1/2 ton pickup in all original condition-40,000 miles-one family truck. It has been driven 1,000 miles since 1981. Shortly after flushing the cooling system the block began to leak. Upon further exploration, the block has corroded through from the inside and an engine replacement is a given. The truck is probably not a candidate for a full restoration, but I would like to get it to the point where I can reliably drive it. Since reliability, and not authenticity (within limits) is my main concern, I am exploring other engine options besides the 216. I have been looking at the 235 and the 250, and was wondering if anyone has an opinion about which is the better option, and which, if either is compatible with an open drive shaft, or whether that is even a good idea.
Since putting in a new engine opens up a big can of worms, I also began wondering about putting a more modern rear end on it, and was curious if anyone knew of one that would drop in without needing trimming. Thanks for any opinions you all might have.
Trip

You should be able to mate up a 235 with either a closed torque tube drive line or a open drive line. Motor mounts and water pumps vary and are workable. I don't know about mounting a 250 six, they were good engines. I would think that the 250 and 235 are not very interchangeable from one engine to the other. 235s were built with 6 volt starters up thru 1955 and 12 volt starters from 1955 thru 1962. the flywheels need to be matched to the starters 6 volt or 12 volt and the motor mounts are somewhat different than your truck, but nothing that a decent welder can't fix. The 250s were only build as 12 volts and the starters, flywheels are different than a 235, the later 250 also had a HEI ignition and distributor. I saw a 55 1/2 ton here in our town that had a 250 mounted and also a 292 in another 55 1/2 ton.
You could more than likely find a decent 216 engine, they are not too much different than a 235 just more 235s are available and they have only a few horsepower than a decent 216.
Street roders put in a 350 or a 305 V/8 with a automatic HT350 and open drivelines because a 305 or 350-350 is always available and not expensive to build or buy. I can't see going to a 350 V/8 or to a 12 volt system in a 46, It is just so normal and just so right to have the straight six and 6 volt.

Thanks so much Mr. Mack,
Can't tell you how much I appreciate your input.

If you end up making the call to stick with a 216, I have a '48 block that you can have for free. It is stripped down and ready to go. You would just have to figure out how to get it.

Tim,
That is very generous. Thank you. If I go that way I will be sure to contact you. By the way, when I first got this truck, I found your site and read every word of it. You did a terrific job and got me excited to move forward, so thanks for that also!

Happy New Year,
All the best,
Trip Hunter

Hi Trip, Go with keeping the truck with a 216. If you are not doing a lot of hauling or high speed driving then stay original. You will get more positive comments, and interest in the truck if its original, and you will develop more pride in it if it runs and drives like it did in the good old days. I see 2 year olds who can tell the difference in my 41 sedan and a newer car and I'm sure they're wondering what is that???

You can find lots of 216s on ebay, and I bet one will be by you. Take the time to get all the other engine parts cleaned up and before you know it you will have a replacement. Many go for less than 100 dollars. Make sure you don't bypass the opportunity to pick up extra engine parts and maybe even an extra body and frame. They become priceless as you maintain and fix up a vehicle. I'm sure there are other chat members that will be glad to lead you to the right engine. I have 2 extra engines that have been great to take parts off of.
Good luck, have fun, Mike

I have a 53 Bel Air with a 235 and a hydro tranny,, I need a need a good conditioned 235 for a partial re-build ,, anyone know where I can pick one up ???