Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 216 - 235 Throttle linkage

I'm getting closer to putting the 235 ('58-'62) in the '49 Coupe; I had everything set-up on the 216 so the 235 would be drop-in, and now I've found a problem.

It's not the end of the world, but the accelerator-to-throttle linkage bellcrank mounting boss is different on the 2 engines. The 216 boss is on the drivers side of the block about 1" forward of the center of the #4 cylinder, while the threaded boss on the 235 1-1/2" forward of #5.

Any old timers remember an easy solution, or do I just fabricate a mounting plate with a new boss in the right place, probably bolted to the motor mount holes.

Dear Ducky;

I think the linkage from a 55-59 era pickup will do it.

You could call Roger at Patricks also.

Good luck, John M...

A quick and dirty fix is to shorten the rod from the accelerator by cutting and welding. Then take a bolt about 4" long and weld it on the shaft that goes forward to the carb with a nut on each side where it passes through the linkage plate on the carb. But you will be a lot better of with the linkage John mentioned.

I had this same problem going from a holley carb to a rochester carb so I made a linkage with ball joints and Brass threaded rod, Doubling up on the keeper nuts used for the allthread.
Photos are in my webshots.

#1 http://community.webshots.com/photo/132510374/132510374MncDzY

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#3 http://community.webshots.com/photo/133897696/133897696HteRQT

Not many photos but it would give an idea, I had to make a pivot using some old aluminum I had to actuate the throttle from the opposite side of the carb, I used a longer bolt in the center stud of the carburetor and backed it up with a nut. Works great and doesnt bind at all.

Thanks guys; I think I'll try to get the truck linkage

I ended up fabricating a completely new linkage on my 261. I found some nice little ball joints at the hardware store that took threaded rod and screwed right into the holes in the bell crank and carburator. Then I bent the accelerator pedal rod so it matched up with the linkage, shortened it and cut threads on it to fit the ball joint I bought. I adjusted it so flooring the pedal opened the throttle butterfly all the way and it works just fine. I added a spring in there somewhere too.

I will soon be doing the same conversion. A 1961 235 in my 1951 with 216. My 235 engine came with flex plate and I will be using stick trans. Can I just change the ring gear on the 216 flywheel or do I need to get a new 235 flywheel with more teeth. I will be converting to 12V and useing the 235 starter. Richard

Dear Richard;

Put the bell housing, flywheel, clutch and starter from your 51 on the 235 & your all set.

Also; you will need to install a pilot bushing.

The 6V one is okay on 12 & will for a long time. The 12V one(55 & up)will not match the flywheel (51) ring gear.

Good luck, John M.......

Richard 1928,

Are you saying that the 235 you want to use had an automatic behind it originally?
If so, check to see if the end of the crankshaft has provision for a pilot bushing. I'm not sure they machined all of the cranks for either usage.

Assuming it will take a pilot bushing, then you can reuse everything behind your existing 216 onto the later 235. You can continue to run the 6V starter when you convert over to 12V.

Can I just use the flywheel, ring gear and clutch that is on my new 1956 235 with the old 216 bell housing and straight transmission. Bob

I have heard that the 11" clutch may cause interferance with the 216 housing, but otherwise you should be ok.

John M mentioned in February that a 1955 to 1959 truck throttle linkage would work on the 235 for 216 engine swap. I see that there is v8 engine throttle linkage available new for these truck engines. Will this work or will it need to be six cylinder. I am down to the trottle linkage for completing my install. The 235 Clutch was too big for the 216 bell housing and I used the 216 bell housing and starter. Worked fine as John and others said.

Bob Blankenship