Classic/Antique Car Repair: Engine swap, oil pressure gauge, rare model

Question
We are in the process of restoring a 1950 Chevy panel truck which has a 216 engine that is in the need of a complete rebuild. We would like to install a 235 engine and I was told that it should bolt right in and transmission and bellhousing from the 216 should fit. Do you know if this is accurate and do you have any suggestions.

Thanks,
Don

Answer
You were informed correctly, the engines will swap with no serious problems other than the fact that the oil pressure gauge in the dash will have to be changed to the later type - because the oil pressure in the 235 runs about twice what the 216 generates.

If it were my truck, especially such a rare model (the panel truck), I'd want to save the original engine and perhaps rebuild and re-install it at some time in the future.  The 216 was a quite good design, and durable if it were not over-revved, but there is no doubt about the fact that the 235 is a much better engine, primarily because it does not rely on splash oiling for the crank bearings.   However, the engines are not identical in appearance; sharp eyed folks will spot the change, and picky people (like me) will downrate the truck on originality with the later engine in it.

Good luck with your project - these are great vehicles (I drove a 51 Chevy half ton pick-up from 1975 to 1994 - it always got the job done, and I worked it HARD).  It is still running around town here - in the hands of a new owner, a lady who babies it!

Dick