Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 49 Fleetline

I would like to know what size the 6 cylinder is in the 49 Fleetline Sedan. Any help for a newbie?
It hasn't been purchased yet so I also don't know where to look for serial numbers to verify if it is a same year motor or a replacement motor.
Thanks a bunch,
Frankie47

Should be a 216 i think...

The original engine in a 1949 Chevrolet is 216 cid. Replacing a 216 with a '54-'62 235 cid inline six is a fairly simple and straightforward conversion. The casting numbers will tell the tale.

God's Peace to you.

d
Inliner #1450

Thanky very much! This makes it a little easier,but still don't know location of casting numbers to identify if this block has been upgraded or replaced, all in all still probably a 216.
Frankie47

On the Inliners homepage you should find a link to pictures from the North Central Chapter picnic. Among them is a picture under the hood of my wife's original '52 four-door. That is a 216, unmodified.

Once you've seen a complete 216 and a complete 235, you should be be able to know what you're seeing.

God's Peace to you.

d
Inliner #1450

Still looking for the location of identifacation numbers on the engine, does anybody know where they are on a 216-235??

Passenger side of block, on cylinder head and pad next to distributor.

the stamped number on the machined surface just to the rear of the distributor should tell what it is. Post what it is, and we can tell you what engine you have.

Will look at it this weekend, thanks guys

Please tell me how to tell a 1941-1948 216' from a 1941-1948 235 by looking. I have heard it can be done, but I've never been able to. THANKS' 1 OL REDNECK

only way I know of is to look up the stamped code behind the distributor. Bore and stroke is the only difference I'm aware of.

It's easy, there were no 235's from '41 to '48

Actually, the 235 came out in 1941 in the bigger trucks.

the only way I can tell on mine is by looking at the intake ports. Its easier to do if they are side by side, but its still hard for me to tell. I always have to look up the numbers.

On the side of the engine where the 6 spark plugs are down under neath them the engine block it self their is two plates that have 4 screws that hold them on their is two plates so their would be 8 screws anyway the point is those plates can help you under stand what it is and what it is not if it is 4 inches it is a 250, 230, 194, if it is 6 inches 292, so if it is not any one of these then you probably have a 216 so their you go hope i was a little help to you and go buy that 49 Fleetline Sedan and have fun.

GEARHEAD IS RIGHT, 235'S CAME OUT IN BIGGER TRUCKS AND WERE INTRODUCE IN THE 41 1 1/2 ton and bigger trucks. They were identical to a 216 including the long sideplate. In the early days this was a very popular swap for 216's if you could find one. They didn't compare to a GMC but they were simpler and cheaper to swap plus more cubes than the 216. Worked real good in 33-38 coupes on jalopy tracks where everything was to be completely stock. I never would have done it but I heard the big boys talk about it! 1 OL REDNECK

Here is a link to a Tech Tip in the Stovebolt site about there being a "235" stamped in the oil pans of the pre-49 Hi-Totque engines. I've never verified that this is a reliable method. The Master parts manual indicates that the intake ports on the 216 and early (pre 1950)235 heads are the same size. Again, I have not verified this. Check the casting numbers. I looked at an early 235 engine recently, and its casting number was "correct", according to the links on the side bar.

Hoyt, I think you are correct. I think casting numbers are the only way and I think from what I've seen in the last 50 years, all 216 and early 235 intake ports were the same. I think I read the 235 blocks are 3/16 taller if you can accurately measure one in a car or truck. 1 OL RED NECK