VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum swap 216 3 speed with a 235 powerglide

i have a 50 bel air with a 216 and 3 on the tree. would like to install a newer 235 engine and newer powerglide. how new can i go with the fewest problems or modifications? i would prefer a 235 with the better oiling system as pressurized and lifters. any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks. fireball bob vcca #33199

Yea, you can do the swap, but you'll need more swapping than what you mentioned.

1954 and beyond, all 235's have full pressure oiling systems.

After 1956, besides a better oiling system, the 235's were also hydraulic lifters.

You'll need to add a transmission oil cooler for the powerglide.

Finally, you'll need to toss out the torque tube rear end, IF you're going to add a NEWER POWERGLIDE, such as 1955 and up.

A 60" wide open driveline rear end works well, such as a Chevy '55 to '57 or early Camaro, if you choose a NEWER P.G.

bobg1951

thanks. how would a 1954 235 with powerglide fit in? was 54 powerglide of the torque tube hook-up? did the 54 235 have bearing inserts or were they babbitt? any problems with motor mounts?

thanks fireball50

The 1953 Power Glide engine and all 1954 and up engines had full presure oiling, rod bearing inserts and aluminum pistons. The babbitt is attached to the inserts as all bearing have and need babbitt.
I didn;t undersatnd your question at the beginning but installing a P.G. in a stick shift car requires many changes. I would suggest just buying a car with P.G.

I agree with Chevnut as from reading your previous post and this one there are many changes necessary to convert to Powerglide from std in addition to going from a 216 to a later 235.

As said in one of the 2 threads, the 1954 235 and '54 powerglide would be best suited for your conversion.

Keep in mind, the stick shift torque tube rear (4:11 ratio) should be swapped out for the powerglide torque tube rear (3:55 ratio). This swap involves swapping out the center section of the housing, along with the torque tube. Not necessary to swap out the ENTIRE REAR, with this operation.

With the '54 235, use the '50 front engine mounting set up.

Being that '50 was the first year for a powerglide, you'll need a '50 transmission shift linkage set up, if your intention is to keep your '50 in stock appearance.

Already spoke about the powerglide transmission oil cooler.

Lots to do with this 235 / P.G. conversion, but it can be done in a systemic fashion.

Lots of work, though, but not impossible.

thanks again for your expertise. the 54 will be my best bet. now all i have to do is find these pieces. i will be converting the car to 12 volts. will a newer starter fit into the 54? can i also attach a alternator to the 54 235? last question, do you have any contacts where i might have some luck in locating all or part of these parts?
thanks in advance fireball bob.
p.s. i recently lost to a garage fire a garage, boat, a rv., a completely restored 1930 coach, and a 1950 convertible,both chevies. so now i am starting all over again.

Sorry for your garage fire loss, thankfully you are here to write about it, rather than the other alternative.

An alternator can be installed, with correct re-wiring and alternator brackets. After market suppliers have the alternator brackets made up for 235 engines.

A later 12 volt starter will not interchange, but, keep in mind, the standard 6 volt starter motor will work OK with a 12 volt system, as long as you do not crank extensively, at one time.

That being said, I, and others on this VCCA forum believe the 6 volt system works well, in good operating condition, including a GENERATOR, with GOOD, HEAVY DUTY battery cables, such as 1/0 or 0/0 gauge wire.

You may want to scroll down in the "subject forums" here, place an ad in the "parts wanted" section.

This VCCA forum is a "restoration forum", so you won't read much about pulling 6 cylinder drive lines and installing big blocks, etc.

However, if you have heard of H,A.M.B. website, those folks do pull factory drive lines, etc.

You may want to place an "parts wanted ad" in their forum, as well.

One more known source for our parts is Owens Salvage in Texas.

Of course, shipping will be a problem for any of this big stuff, unless it's in your area.

Check out www.patricksantiquecars.com Lots of conversion info and they are good people to deal with.

I will second Steve's recommendation, regarding Patricks'.

Good info online and great folks to work with.

Use a 6 volt starter..Spins much faster..14 years driving my 54 on a 12 volt system. Patricks has a electronic ignition , worry free for years. headers will require you to alter the left motor mounts...Fentons on a Blue Flame Six...Priceless

YOUR gauges are 6 volt and will burn out with 12 volt..Put a resistor in your gas tank wiring... Do Not turn the key on without this change..Sore lesson learned

The pre '55 235 will be going into a '50, with the '50 front mount set up. No header clearance issues with this application.

to bobg1951 and steve d, thanks for all the info. now all i have to do is get started. it will take me a few years to get done with what i want to accomplish. i will get back to you when i have made some progress. i might throw a few pictures as i proceed. again, you guys are invaluable.
fireball bob

A few years ?

You better work faster than that, for, at my age, I won't be here giving any kind of info, a few years from now.

Let's set a date for completion ...... say two weeks from this coming Saturday.

im heading to mazatlon for 3 weeks so 2 weeks wont work. darn im only 78 so at my age i tend to work slow. dont want to hurt myself. i'll check back in when i get back. so you'll know, i'll have a FEW beers for you.

bye for now.

Have the PIPITO at THe International Hotel..Nothing better..Adios

I like that a lot ....... 78 and still a "fireball".

Atta Boy !

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