230 v 235

[rbuckin111]

I am rather new to this whole thing so forgive if I ask a very basic question. I have a 64 GMC with a 230 straight six. I have seen some Chevy's from the same era with 235. Are these engines essentially identical except for 5 cu in? Why did they have two engines so close in cu in available? Were the 230s a product for GMC and the 235s a product for Chevy's? Will a 235 work in my GMC? I need to do a replacement and I have found a reasonably priced 235 in my area.

Thanks for any help you can give!

[awbrown]

a 64 would have been a definite 230/250 , the last year for the 235 in the truck was 62 but you may find other wise.. ... They are 2 different animals , this link has all the info you could want .. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...aight-6_engine They changed everything from the old 235 to the new 194,230,250 Bore and stroke , intergral behousing , cylinder head design, distributor location etc...

[Gianyveedub]

The engines are similar, but not the same. If you look at 1960-1962 c10s (235) with inline sixes, you will notice that the engine mounts for them are in the front (under the timing cover) and on the trans tunnel. For the 1963-66 c10s (230) the engine mounts are on the side of the engine as well as on the trans tunnel. I ran into the same problem when I blew the motor in my 1963 c10. The 230 had to be replaced and I found a 1962 235 motor to go in thinking it was the same.... well I hoped. I had to fabricate the engine mounts from a set of used engine mounts I had lying around. Second, I had to fabricate the throttle linkage in order to run the original arm. Thirdly The Clutch Z-bar mount had to be fabricated because the 1960-62 c10s used a hydraulic clutch not a Z-bar. I have never welded before this, so I said screw it I need this engine to work, so I set out and fabricated everything. If you are not afraid to make some things from scratch, go for it. I bought my motor for 200.00 bucks and 100.00 for a welder and about 50 or so dollars for the metal. Not bad considering the 1962 motor only had 30k miles on it. I'll take some photos and upload them later tonight to show you what I mean.

[Gianyveedub]

Here are the photos.


This is a shot of the 235. If you compare this to the 230 you will notice a difference in the intake manifold design. Also I have a oil filter that attaches to the manifold, but the 230 design has a modern day oil filtration system that spins on to the engine where this 235 does not.


Here is the drivers side motor mount. The 235s mount has a different 3 hold spacing than that of the 230; that's the reason for the fabrication. I didnt want to stack washers to make the frame mounts fit, so I used them and just moved them forward and drilled new holes. That being said, I could no longer used the rubber mounts and had to make solid mount for between the frame and engine.


Here is the passenger side mounts


Another shot of the passenger side.


Here is the throttle bracket I made




Here is the plate i made to connect the Z-Bar

[rbuckin111]

Thanks guys! Very helpful information. My assumptions would have gotten me into a lot of trouble. Gianyveedub, thanks for taking the extra time to post pics. They were very informative. For not being a welder, I think you did some awesome work!

[factorystock]

Many people mistakingly call the Chevy 230 and 250 a 235. 235's (completely different) are very common in '62 and older pickups. A more difficult engine to indentify is the 230 Vs. 250 which look indentical. Check I.D. code on distributor pad to distinguish the 230 from the 250.These are all Chevy built engines, GMC offered the 230 Chevy as an ecomony option starting in '64.The 250 was new for '66 for both Chevy and GMC.

[rbuckin111]

From the information you guys have given me, I wonder if the seller of the engine is mistaken about the engine as he claims it is a 1966 235 out of a Bel Aire. When I compare it to the picture above of the 235, it appears to look more like my 230. Could this possibly be a 230 or 250 which are identical?

[Gianyveedub]

Ask the seller for the casting number and check it online to see if it is a 230 or 250. Good Luck Man.

[Captainfab]

The engine in that pic certainly does look like a 230/250 to me. Like was already mentioned, many unknowing people don't know the differences between the 235 and 230/250. If it is the original engine out of a '66 Belair, then it is either a 230 or a 250.

[rbuckin111]

Thanks guys! The help is very much appreciated!

[scottmitchellrose]

all I can tell you to add is- the 235 is bigger and heavier- MUCH - than the 230. I have one of each. I am amazed at the difference.

[vin63]

If you're really curious, the 216/235 inlines had 4 main crank bearings. The 194 - 292 generation of inlines had 7 main bearings.

[scottmitchellrose]

cool- no, i had no idea. I haven't opened up either one. But I now at least know from this thread that it's probably better to put that 235 in my 61's.

[AcampoDave]

Did anyone mention that the bell housings are not interchangeable?