216 crank turning

[mytruck1949]

Gang
49 Chevy 3600 original 216. Pulled it out of a field and couple years back and the motor was free and didn't take long to get it running. So I took it for its first 25 mile long drive last week. All previous drives were 2 miles or less. On the way back I got 2 miles from home the motor started to give off some ticking and clacking. I pulled it over and called a buddy to come tow me home.

So Friday night I pulled the pan due to oil pressure got really low and to my surprise I found all kinds of bearing flakes. I then pulled a main cap and it is good but I pulled the first 2 rod caps and there latterly isn't any bearing left. I also can physically wiggle the other piston rods on the crank.

So at a crossroads.

What is the max bearing for rods that guys have used. I am guessing that I would have to have the rod journals turned .20. Can we even get bearing that thick?

At the point that I have to pull the 216, Is it even worth the rebuild? I have the impression from comments that it is pricey to rebuild a 216. I see tons of comments about upgrades to a 235. What other motors can interchange. I saw a 261 would also bolt right up to the 3speed.

It is no show truck but a rat rod that I like to drive around. I am looking for options and opinions.

[OrrieG]

I am pretty sure the 216 has babbit bearings for mains and rods. You just file or machine the cap mating surfaces and clean up the babbit surface with fine emery cloth to tighten up the clearances. I do not know if they can be machined to accept modern bearing inserts, assume they could be. I would be looking for a newer engine with better oiling, etc. Lots of 6-292's out there that would work with a newer SM465 4 speed. Most people would not even know it was not stock and they are relatively inexpensive since most guys are tossing them for v-8s and autos trans.

[59chev]

a 261 is exactly the same externally as a 235. I ran one for a while in my 59.

[dwcsr]

216 will have to have the rods re poured and fitted to what ever size your crank turns to. If you have the option of a 261 do it. 216's can easily cost $4000 to rebuild and not many machine ships left can to them correctly.

[mytruck1949]

guys thanks for the input. I do understand in reading that the 216's are expensive and that is not what I am all about. LOL.

So my goal is try to drop something in without custom fit. It was mentioned that potentially a 292 and 4speed tranny might work. I know that would take some work but if 292s are better or have an opinion would be great. I don't want to go through the whole driveline. If not I would be looking for a 235 or 261.

All opinions are welcome.

[dwcsr]

292 is a better swap but is not a drop in. You would need to modify the rear cross member or find one from a 54-55.1 that came with a 235, you then need a 55-63 V8 bell housing that will match up to the 292. The 4 speed will bolt, You need to think about a new rear axle and drive shaft as well

The nice thing about it is you get to hang all the modern parts off , AC, PS, ALT it without a lot of hassles

[mytruck1949]

how far up in a 292 can you come. I found a guy 75 miles away that has a 292 with a 4speed already bolted up. When you say axle you mean drum to drum correct. Sorry to be so literal.