Hi...A military collector in my area has a 42-49 235 block that never has been installed, and is still covered in cosmolene. (Dont know if thats spelled right). I have a 1940 Chevy Master Deluxe with a 216. Im not up on 6 cylinders yet but am about to get into this car this summer, and was thinking about swapping in a 235. What Im wondering is if this is a desirable block or should I find a mid 50s 235 to upgrade to. Thanks for the help!
If you want to keep it looking original, then it would be fine, but it's still a babbit pounder.
It would be better to go with a 56-62 version because they are full pressure, and have insert bearings and do not require shimming. You might need to shorten the water pump or adapt the earlier style pump for your application.
The best would be to find a 59-63 261 which is going to be full flow as well as full pressure. 54-58 261's are not full flow.
And then there are the guys that will tell you to put a GMC in it. You might want to think about upgrading the rest of the driveline if you go this route...
Is it just a block, a short block, or a complete new engine? What are your plans for the car? If I had a fairly stock '40 that I was going to drive in a sane manner and I ran across a GOOD deal on a NEW dipper motor I'd grab it. That "babbit beater" thing gets way too much play. I'd look for better rear end gears or an OD trans and drive any where on this continent!
Its just a block, empty, nothing but the block, but it has never been out of the crate. My plans for the car are to keep it original, but wouldnt mind a little more get up and go than from the 216.
Now I don't know what to tell you. I'm not knowledgeable on the early 235s. If I had to build it I'd go for a full pressure 235 or 261.
I agree - a pristine babbit block is a nice concept, but of little practical value.