VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc What if I decide to put a 216 back in my 37

I do have a couple 235s in the garage but if I would decide to go back to a 216 what would be the best year of a 216 to get,since 37 was the first year would it be the most troublesome and one year only parts or would the 53 be the best to get since its had all the upgrades over the years and what about the years in between. I have only farm field experience with those motors so is there really much power/torque differences from a 235,time is running out for my 235 and will have to be doing something very shortly but I have always thought about another 216 if I could find one that I can hear run and ride in which I doubt will happen but stranger things have happened.

If it were me,I would go with a 37 216. My 37 had a 235 in when I bought it. I found a 37 216 and rebuild it. It runs like a top and has all the power you need.

Finding a 37 216 that is good enough to rebuild might take some time and would have to put one of the 235s in it so I could keep it on the road,in all the time I was chasing the noise in the 235 I could had one rebuilt by now so if I go with a 216 it would have to be a good one ready to drop in and go. My 37 had a sweet running 47 216 in it and when I tore the truck apart I tore the motor apart since I was going tom rebuild it and over the years it was apart it got ruined so a 57 235 went in,should of repainted it and stuck it back in but I was young and dumb.

I got real lucky with the one I found. The bore was factory stock and within tolerance. All journals were in spec. Just had to ridge ream, hone and re-shim the bearings. New rings, seals and gaskets.

Before I found the two extra 235s I ran across a couple 216s but they were the usual ran when pulled and the 235 that is in my 37 was supposed to be good enough to just drop in but had a cracked cylinder and bad cam so it got rebuilt and only lasted about 10,000 miles before the bottom end issues. I am curious if there are any better years of the 216s,a 37 motor would be great but since the rest of the drivetrain is staying the way it is any year would work if one good enough to drop in would happen to show up in the next few weeks.

I'll probably get flamed for this but I think the 37 engine is just as strong as any 216, but the clutch is weaker. The 235 with full pressure oil and more HP is no doubt a stronger engine. JMHO

Junkyard: I have a complete 52 216 all rebuild. Rings,valve job and all new seals and gaskets. $500.00.

How much power and torque would I loose if I went with a 216,I have only driven them in farm fields and not on the road. My 37 no longer has 4.10 gears and has a 5 speed that has o/d and 3.55 gears so would it be much slower then with a 235.

I am sure the 235 has more power and torque especially if it is fresh. My 52 with 4:11 gears and a fresh 216 just walks up hills in high gear and I almost never downshift when going around corners.

I like to drive at prevailing highway speeds and for long distances. I had one 216 blow a rod & main bearing. I replaced it with a 235 and a 3.73 rear axle and enjoy driving it much more that before the change.

If you're going to be going lower speeds, around town and enter car shows, stick with a 216, IMO.

Since I have two extra 235s it will most likely stay with a 235 but I would like to try a 216 some day to see how they are.

JYJ,

If not for show, go with a 235 (1954 or later. Best around 1958 or 59).

If for show, go back to the 37 216.

As to wanting to see how the 37 engine sounds etc., you don't want to really know. Compared to a good hydraulic valve 235 they are horrible. Are too!

Your call,
Charlie

I have a 60 car 235 on the stand that I will be getting ready to install after a reseal,the 47 216 that was in it seemed to be a good motor but all it got driven was in farm fields with no muffler but I ruined it letting it sit apart.

I really do not have the extra money to purchase another motor so the 60 car 235 will be going in,the waterpump adapter and gasket set arrived so I will be getting the 235 ready to go in next week. Would like to try a 216 but I need to get the truck done very soon as there are many other projects the need done too and want to get them done before winter rolls around again.