VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 235 Engine

I have found a 1954 chevy post model sedan that the owner is changing over to a late model drive train and he said that he will sell me the motor, 3sp. trans and rear end for $400.00. I checked the engine casting number and it is a 1949-1962 235cu. I have a 1936 Chevy pickup that I am considering swapping out with this drive train so my questions are; Is their a way to tell if this motor is a full oiler with insert bearings short of pulling the oil pan? Question 2; Will this motor bolt up to my 4sp trans and can I use my 6v starter? Do I use the fly wheel off of my 207 or off the 235? Question 3 is what gear ratio did the 54 cars with stick shift have?Any advise that any of you have is greatly appreciated, you've all been very helpful with information in the past.. Thanks...Richard

Richard,
You have created a lot of ground to cover. First, there should not be a casting number that would yeald a year range of 1949-1962. A full pressure 235 can be easily told by the valve cover. Splash oiled engines have two studs through the top of the valve cover and full pressure engines have 4 (?) bolts in the lip. That being said, it is fairly easy to put long studs in the late engine and install the early valve cover to mislead the casual observer. The late engine will bolt to your 4 speed truck trans if you use a clutch housing from an early engine. The housing may have to be from a 4 speed truck to get the right bolt pattern for the transmission. I'm not sure about this and I do not have my reference material handy. This should also allow you to use a
6 volt starter but not your 6 volt starter. You will need a starter from 1937+ and a flywheel from a 41+ to accomplish your goal. I am hip shooting some of this info. I am sure someone will jump in to correct my mistakes, but this should give you some idea where to start looking. The 54, stick shift, diff. ratio is around 3.70.
I hope this helps. I can get more specific when I have my books in hand.
Mike

There is a big difference in 235 engines.The 1953 Power Glide was the first to have full pressure oiling.It has two center studs retaining the valve cover.All 1954's has a full pressure 235.All 1954 and up 235 heads had 4 screws retaining the valve cover .The NON-full pressure engines will have a small sheetmetal plate on the left side of the block-about in the center.Its retained with 3 slotted screws.The full pressure engines will not have this.

It will be necessary to use the 1954 srarter,fly wheel and housing,clutch,etc.Not sure if it would bolt up to the old 4 speed but I would doubt it.Yes,the 1954 stick had a 3.70 ratio,If the rear end and torque tube would be used the rear wheels would need to be 5 lug.

Hi Mike and Chevgene, thanks for the information, I think that pretty much tells me what I need to know. I may come bac k with some more questions later. Thanks again, I'

Gene and Richard,
I didn't think my answer through before posting. My mind sort of locked in on the 1962 part of his original post regarding the engine. I was thinking of it being fitted with its own flywheel, etc. This would not be the case even if it was a 62 engine which had already been fitted to a 54 car with original trans etc.
I think a truck housing will be required to bolt up to the 4 speed. There may also be issues related to the overall length of the eng/trans assembly with the later engine.
Mike

The 235 engine will be about 2" shorter but will depend on positioning with the drive train.I would rather use the 1954 3 speed or some later transmission rather than the 1936 non-syncro 4 speed.A 1937-47 truck or 1937-39 car floor shift 3 speed would be a thought.Beyon that its a little out of my catagory.

A 1937-1947 truck flywheel housing would have to be used to bolt the 235 engine to your old 4-speed. It will also fit the 3-speed transmissions mentioned above. The truck 3-speeds of that era is the same length as your old 4-speed.

wdoftexas, thanks for the info, I think I know where I can get a flywheel From a 47.Would I then be able to use my floor starter?...Richard

The floor starter linkage and starter from a 1947-54 truck would need to be used.(if keeping 6 volt).The starter linkage and type of starter was completely revised in 1938.Also a higher powered starter would be necessary for a high compression 235 engine.If switching to 12 volt a 1955-59 starter and flywheel would be required.

One little thing. The sump on the early motors drained to LH centre. The later motors drained to centre rear. As a result the later sump is deeper at the rear and as a result it may not fit unless you modify the crossmember. The sump will not transfer over because the oil pump is different.
This may not apply to your particular situation but it is something to consider.

You must use the front bearing retainer from a truck transmission if you use a car three speed on a truck bellhousing IIRC.