VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Why Install a 235 and Dump a 216?

For those of you who have swapped out an originally equipped 216 for a 235 (or other higher displacement 6-cylinder engine), please let us know why you did so.

This questions keeps coming to mind and maybe the subject has come up before but I don't remember anyone really saying WHY they made the call to swap from the original to something non-original. Knowing why you opted for the 235 (any year) will help me and others make a more informed decision as to whether to chase after a 235 when the time comes for rebuild or whatever.

Please share your logic.

This is for 6 cylinder to 6 cylinder - not the swap-out for a V-8.

Thanks,nausea
Charlie

BTW: I think this is a little different than the usual 216/235 issues but, nonetheless, my apologies if this seems to have been discussed ad nausea.

The 216 performs fine in my '47 sedan and will stay there.The 216 that was in the '46 pickup was plumb worn out rebuild cost was about $2000. I found a '61 235 that ran perfect for $300. That was years ago and it still runs great. Would I do that again? Probably not if the vehicle was a "prime" show level one. But for my driver purposes absolute originality is not a concern. Also I have a dozen vintage vehicles and limited budget. Maintaining a lot of oldies as original as I can outweighs perfection for one. Each person has to make that decision,I think.
DFC

The 216 is a good engine in it's own right--albeit it is a little underpowered (92hp) vs its later model replacements (1953 and up 235s). The pre-53 235 and 216s were babbit bearing engines with a splash oiling system. The later engines from 1953 on had more horsepower (115-125, internal improvements including insert rod bearings, cast iron cams, aluminum pistons and full pressure lubrication.

I swapped out my 52 235 for a 54 235 as the 52 motor was completely seized up and felt if I was going to spend the bucks on a rebuild I'd start with more hp and better oiling provided in the 54 motor. With all engine rebuilders around not being equal, there are not many who have the expertise to forge or machine babbit bearings, although there are a few experts.

Again, the early 216 and 235 are fine motors which will give long service, but many internal improvements were made in the later years. That coupled with the virtually unchanged external dimensions makes the later engine versions easy swaps.

the 235's are generaly much less expensive to rebuild. 216's are fine engines I have had a lot of them in lifetime.
Cleon

another good point.
If one is doing a concours level restoration, then obviously you would stick with the original motor. If you only want a driver, then a swap might be the way to go. Each to his own.
Chevys rule.

I would have put the 216 back in my 37 but when I tore it apart I also tore the motor apart which ended up getting ruined so I took the easy way and got a 235,this was back before I had a computer and have heard about a few 216s that got yanked for bigger motors. Since the 235 has a noise I am considering going back to a 216 if I can find one that is still in the vehicle so it can be heard run and driven,most of the 216s I found are the ran when pulled deal which my 235 was supposed to be a put in and go motor which ended up having a bad cam and cracked cyliner so no more motors that I cant hear run.

are you still interested in a currently running 216? I.m in muskegon mi and can be reached at 231-638-2429