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A while ago I was reading a library book titled "Chevrollet 1911-1985" by Consumer Guide Auto Editors. The piece on the 1937-39 models gives some interesting details on the development and expenditures of the engine and transmission. It also identifies the engineers and their backgrounds that played major parts in the mechanical developments. It says that the 1937, 216 six cyl engine was designed by a guy named Edward H. Kelly and he was from Lowell Massachusetts and graduated with an enginering degree in 1924 (I assume Lowell Textile Institute now U-Mass Lowell- I'm checking this out now). This is of interest to me because I'm a 37 2dr sedan owner,the car was purchased new in Lowell by my great aunt (it was given to me in 1965), I rebuilt the 216 myself, I grew up in Lowell and I'm an alumni of Lowell Tech (albeit night school). I thought it would be a worth while project to write a short article for the school paper if all these connections click. If anyone has any sources of information in this reguard please respond.

Bumper37

Try posting this same information on the Chevrolet 1912-1942 (Pre-War), if you look down the page to the years 37-42. These Tech Advisers can propably help you. They really know the cars and the History behind them.

Elizebeth

The most info on the designing of the 1937 Chevrolet and the new 216 engine is in the March 1977 issue of Special Intrest Magazine.There is no mention of a Kelly in the engine design.Infact the engine was more or less designed by a group of engineers with Alex Taub and Jim Crawfords names beeing mentioned.Let me know if you are intrested and I will arrange to send you a copy of the article.It is very intresting.

In the Book, "Chevrolet 1955, Creating the Original" by Michael Lamm, there is a brief mention of Ed Kelly. Ed Kelly's strength, as mentioned in the book, was Manufacturing. Because he was struggling with the design and development of Chevrolet's V8 in the '51 - '52 time frame, he was replaced by Ed Cole in May of 1952 as Chief Engineer and he became the Director of Manufacturing for Chevrolet at that time. According to the book, Ed's nickname was "Crankshaft Kelly" as a result of his design of the crankshaft for the six cylinder engine.

I started working for Chevrolet Engineering in June of 1952, shortly after Ed Cole arrived on the scene. If I ever saw or met Ed Kelly, I don't recall it. However, it was common practice to see the major players in the design/development of the 1955 Chevrolet on a daily basis in the Test Lab where I worked. Ed Kelly must have been somewhat of a character because, although he wasn't around my area, those that knew him from earlier times mentioned his name frequently.

In 1954 I transfered to the GM Proving Ground in Milford. I remember one story told to me by my then boss about him having been on a test trip with Ed Kelly in Phoenix, Arizona. Ed had been partying with the gang, but needed to get on the train headed for home. The crew placed him on the train, only to see him get off the other side immediately. They put him back on the train and he did it again. Just hear say!

The 1937 article in Special intrest was by Michael Lamm.His articles were fact filled and intresting.

All, thanks for this info. I forgot I posted my request here because I posted it under "discussions" also without a reply and I'm thrilled to see these responses. I can see from the numbers that I'm talking to the senior staff. I was reading your discussions about the annual meet and someone mention of an 80 year old former chevrolet engineer. Thats why my request got posted here.

The book I referenced mentions the Mike Lamm 3/77 article and repeats the story of production wanting 3 main bearing. The book says Kelly warned them that four mains were needed and developed test engines to prove it which he did. The result was that management ordered a beefed up crank and four mains. I'm only a parts changer but I thought that crank looked like it came from a D-8 when I replaced the rod bearings. At any rate this is where the nick name Crankshaft Kelly probably came from.

Oldie, Do you know what Kelly,s position was when he was replaced by Ed Cole?

Chev Nut, I would like to get a hold of that article. What would that take?

The position that Ed Kelly vacated and the one that Ed Cole acquired was called "Chief Engineer", Chevrolet Engineering. The position that Kelly assumed was "Manufacturing Manager", Chevrolet Division, and was considered a lateral move.

Thank you sir.