1951 chevy 3600 engine and transmission rebuilds

[helga51]

I have the original 216 stovebolt engine and the original transmission for my 51 chevy 3600. I would like to know where i can get a rebuild kit for both of these the transmission most likely just needs new gaskets and bearings. The engine will need new pistons, rings and bearings and gaskets. if you have any advice that would be nice.

[dwcsr]

try http://egge.com/ sit down when you look up pricing on rebuilds for 216's and 235's

[helga51]

Thank you for the link. They do not have 216's the smallest they go is 235's. how close are the engines what makes them different?

[dwcsr]

http://egge.com/kit/cv216m50-52/

[helga51]

Thank you so much I don't know how I didn't see that.

[helga51]

Thank you very much I really appreciate your help.

[OrrieG]

Go over to stovebolt.com, they have lots of info on pros and cons . Besides size 216 is splash oiled with babbitt bearings. When you see the cost of rebuilding you will see why guys like me buy $500 donors with good 350/350 combo.

[whitedog76]

My suggestion for a 216 is that if it's running, leave it alone. They are terribly expensive to rebuild and can get complicated.

They have babbitted rods and a shimmed crankshaft. If setup and done wrong, catastrophic results will be the result. All the money you spent will be down the drain. Another issue is finding a machine shop that can re-babbitt the rods. They are far and few between. You could have your block line-honed and your rods converting to insert bearings. Again, finding a machine shop is an issue.

Anyhow, now that I'm done with my Debbie Downer act, what are your plans with your truck? Restoration, daily driver, resto-mod?

If you want that originally look, but a slightly updated drivetrain, I would suggest a 1955 and newer 235 upgrade. The 235 is basically an upgraded 216. It has a better oiling system, insert bearing crankshaft and rods. You can use your bell housing, flywheel, and starter, and it's pretty much a bolt-in process. You'll have to get a shortened water pump or an adapter kit for the 216 water pump, that's about the only specialized thing you'll have to do. You can also use your valve cover and valve cover studs on it for a more classic look.

You could always go with a more modern 6 cylinder such as a 230, 250, or 292. You'll have to do some modifications to get everythings to fit. Such as trimming the crossmember (possibly firewall), adding side motor mounts to the frame and engine. It's still possible to keep your transmission and rearend, if you use an early inline 6/V-8 style bellhousing. Of course there's probably a dozen things I'm forgetting.

Of course, there's always the V8 swap and late model engine swap. I'm not going to touch that one now.

Part's sources:

https://www.kanter.com/
http://patricksantiquecars.com/chevy_parts.html
http://egge.com/
http://www.rockauto.com/

Federal Mogul Part's Search:

http://aftermarket.federalmogul.com/...rch-Parts.aspx

Late model motor mounts:

http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com...6-cylinder-19/

http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com...s-chev-v-8-19/

Patrick's is a very good source for information on 216, 235, and 261 engines. They're more than willing to give advice.

Good Luck.

Chris

[Apachemike]

Hoods Transmission in Austell, Ga

[OrrieG]

Now that I am on my computer can expand my answer. In my opinion only reason for rebuilding a 216 is if it is a high point restoration and then you will probably never get your money back.

IF you want the six look I would go with a 292 or 250 which will get you a modern transmission and rearend in the process. Both are designed for modern highway speeds (higher RPM than the 216/235 engines) and the 292 has lots of hot rod potential. In the late 60's my transmission man ran a rail dragster with a built 292 that put other small blocks in the class to shame. But six rodding parts will be more expensive than v8, less demand.

IF you just want a good relatively inexpensive driveable old truck/rod then do a SBC swap with transmission and rearend. Lots of options for donors and you can go 195-750 HP depending on your budget and entertainment goals!

[helga51]

Thank you for the feedback I will try hoods transmission.