VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 removing engine from 1940

I want to remove the engine from my 1940 to install a 235. If I remove the hood, radiator and shroud will I be able to pull the engine out? The manual says to remove the whole front end fenders and all but I don't want to do this. I have a engine hoist. Should I remove the transmission first?

I can't answer your specific question but I might caution you to check your title first. Many states used the engine number as the VIN on the title through '55. If your car was titled using the engine number and you remove that engine you'll need to re-title your car.

Alvin,
The manual says remove fenders because they tend to get bumped up as the motor comes out and in. I've pulled and installed enough motors to agree with the manual. Sometimes you can pad the engine compartment area and all works out well. Regardless, it IS best to remove all the engine accessories including starter, generator and intake/ exh. manifold. Yes, the trannie should also come off though it's a pain to do. If you expect to do more swap work purchase an adjustable leveling device (Harbor Freight has a good one, cheap). With it you can bring the motor out at the proper angle even if attachment to the motor wouldn't allow it.
As to replacing the 216 with a 235 there are a number of technical issues to consider such as replacing the 235 water pump with a short shaft version. This swap is common but personally I'd keep the 216. Dan

Alvin, 'Can't blame you for wanting an engine change. I'm frustrated sitting behing an excellent '41 216 while I block most traffic.

If it were me (and it ain't!), I would contact www.patricsantiquecars.com Ph:520-836-1117 about changing to a 235. These are good folks and really big on 6 cyl Chevy's. They have both info and needed parts. They have a very informative catalog.

Good luck

Gaither

You might be farther ahead changing the rear end to a 3:70 or 3:55 ratio if you want to drive at highway speeds. You can also use an adapter plate to use the original 216 water pump. Its much easier to remove the front clip as a unit than to fight taking the nose off the car. Good Luck Don

Tiny here in the Peoples Republic of Maryland they don't use engine # to title cars.But if they could figure a way to tax engine # they would. My consern is that I can get the engine high enough to clear the fenders and grill and not bump the fenders.

It can be done, but you will wish you just took the few bolts out and pulled the front clip off as an assembly.

Pulling the doghouse is easier than you think. There's 5 or 6 bolts on the rear of each fender and 2 bolts under the radiator. Unhook the hoses and wires and get 2 buddies and you're done. Once you do this, you'll wonder how so few bolts holds the front end on.

Listen to what donsbigtrucks recommends. Removing the entire front as a unit is by far the best way to approach the problem. As someone said, "what's with the engine change?"

Ray the reason that I don't want to remove the front fenders is that they have a lot of bondo on them and the car was repainted last year. I am afraid that picking up and flexing the fenders will crack the bondo. The 216 engine has a 2 inch crack back by the drain on the left side. Also has a knock when it is cold. Should have did this engine swap before I had it painted but I didn't have the 235 then. Have any of you did an engine swap with the fenders on? I could remove the head and manifolds first but I want to put the 235 in all assembled.

Yes - I have removed the engine 3 times from my '40 without removing the front fenders. I strip the engine. Remove the starter, foot starter linkage, generator, manifolds, fan, valve cover and distributor. I remove the radiator and shroud and the hood closure lock plate. This gives you the clearance you need to move the engine forward and tip the front up. Be sure to pull the hood side panels so that you have good visibility on each side. I usually remove and install the transmission with the engine. I also throw old balnkets, towels or whatever on the fenders to protect them. Be careful with the hood. I can remove and install it by myself but it taxes me. My reason for doing it without removing the front fenders is because I never have enough help around to remove the clip intact. I rig the sling so that the engine is back heavy and this will allow you to tip the front of the engine up enough clear the front fenders and grill. If you've got any questions give me a call at 318-798-0493. As usual the most important part of the engine removal and installation is "patience." I've done the 216 to 235 swap a couple of times.

A word to the wise-most of the on-site help you can find will know less about it than you do but will be superior in advisory skills.

You've gotta love it!!!