Engine replacement

[Bob Carriere]

For the record when I say 235 cu. in. engine I mean a full oil pressure block.

The 235 will fit and bolt right in BUT...... the water pump is the issue.

first you need the extra clearance near the front / rad location....

second issue is the 235 water pump installed inside the face of the 235 block is TOO low in relationship to the radiator and reduces cooling efficiency.

The best solution is to install a 216 water pump using the $40 dollarsadapter plate available on EBay. It allows the external 216 pump to be mounted on the 235 at a higher location more centred on the radiator face and gives you the clearance needed. The scary part for a lot of rebuilders is that the adapter plate requires to drill a couple of holes in the block face and tap them....... with care it can be done quite safely...... and it is far easier to do if the engine block is outside the truck.

Once the process is done, it is neat and professional looking and only a very well informed observer would notice the difference.

Bob C.