Chevrolet 216 235 (early) main bearings? The same?

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Alex and Dave

Just to add to the fun of working with these engines both CMP and other Chevys of the time period. I have found the engines to be a mix of babbitted and shell bearings. I have even come across babbited bearing shells that when you knocked out the babbit material would accept a shell bearing with no other modifications.

Having had 216, 235, and 261 rebuilt the machine shops have had no problems finding the over sized shell bearings. Also replaced bearings on one 216 with stock size shells without having the crank ground.

Do know that you can take the early military 235 and put it on a CMP 216 but you have to change the pistons as the US 235 was a flattop piston engine and the CMP was domed and there is less than "0" clearance.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Cheers Phil