help identifying the engine in my '48
 

I took my engine into a local shop to have it rebuilt. With the crank out they told me it was a 216 with babbit bearings and because of the babbits it would cost me $2,800. to bore out and rebuild($1,400. just to rebuild it). Then today they came back and said it was a 235 and it would cost $1,400 to rebuild it. It came out of a 1948 Chevy 1 1/2 ton liftmaster. How could people that rebuild engines get this mixed up(are they trying to take me). Did they make 235's in 1948. If they did do any of them have babbit bearings in them? Please help me out.

Didnt think the 235 was made in 48?

I believe the 235 was the first engine to have rod bearings.The 216 has bolts that come through the top of the valve cover,and the 235 has bolts around the flange.Also the valve cover on the 235 is more square.
I think that is right.I don't know what year the 235 was offered in these trucks.

235 engines went both ways, that is babbit and insert bearings. It depends on the year and vehicle it was originally out of.

Like I said I'm no expert,all I had ever seen had bearings.
Do you know what year the 235 came out?

235 had short side cover over lifter area. 216 cover was tall and covered side of head i think. i had a 52 delux car that came with 235 and babbit rods. i think the half ton truck came with 216 until 54 which had a 235. not sure about larger trucks. :bowtie:

216 valve cover is rounded on top with the bolts coming through the top. 235 valve cover is more square on top and the bolts are in the lip around the edge. I have both so if you need more i can go out and look them both over. Not tonight though, cold SOB out there.