Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 235 FOR 216 FLYWHEEL

Can I put my new blue flame 1956 engine flywheel and clutch with 235 starter in my 216 bell housing?
Bob

The flywheel is from a 235 and you want to know if it will fit in a 216 b/h? I don't see why not. But, I am definately not the expert on this board.
Twisted? Walt?

Yes, I want to use the 12 volt starter and 235 cluth that is in my new 1956 motor in my 1951 Chevy that I just pulled the original 216 out of. Bob

Sorry I'm not into the 216,235s But Bob If you want a Faster answer Give Tom Langdon a call.

Thanks
#3220 }[oooooo]

Dear Bob;

Don't mix things up.

If your using the 51 driveline use that bell housing, flywheel etc too.

If your going to the later type of (open) driveline use the 56 bell housing, flywheel.

Also; Be sure to use the 51 lock plates on the flywheel.

Good luck, John M.,, #3370..

PS: The 51 6V starter will work okay on 12.

I will be using the 216 bell housing and transmission but would like to use the 235 flywheel, clutch, starter in the 216 bell housing. Can I?
Bob

bob, the if you are using the original 51 tranny it won't bolt up to the 56 bellhousing. car trannys had a different bolt pattern thru 54. the 56 235 will bolt to the 216 bell housing just fine. the front & rear of 216 & 235 blocks are the same. the starter flywheel & clutch from the 51 will all fit the 216 also. the early 6 volt starter also works quite well in a 12 volt system. ( cranks real fast;6 volt starter actually had heavier windings, done it alot believe me it works.) if you have to use the later 12 volt starter you'll have to use the 56 flywheel & clutch. when the change to 12 volt was made they changed tooth count on the starter drive gear & fly wheel ring gear. the drive gears will not swap between 6 & 12 volt starters either.
so the rule is: early starter-early flywheel. late starter-late flywheel. either starter & flywheel package will work behind the 235 & in the 51 bellhousing. ( however larger truck flywheels won't fit in the early bellhousing ) i think 52 is when they went to side engine mounts. if the 51 is the same as my 50 you'll also need to put the front mount plate ( it's behind the timing gear cover ) from the 216 onto the 235. all this info. & more about swapping the full oil pressure 235 into the 53 & earlier cars & trucks is available from the stovebolt engine co. & patricks antiques. there are links to them on this site & most of this stuff is in our tech tips section. have fun!
robert.

Some guys have run into a snag attempting to stuff a later clutch plate/cover into the older bellhousing. I'd keep the bellhousing/clutch/cover/starter from the 216. If you go with the later bellhousing, make sure the clutch fork exits the bellhousing at the same angle as original unit. See this stuff gets tricky when you mix up to many pieces, keep it simple.

Thanks Robert and Jim. I am now clear that I can use the 235 flywheel,clutch, starter with my 216 bell housing. Since I am already with a 12 volt system in the 51, I just thought it better to use the later 12 volt starter not to mention all the new looking clutch material in the 235 bell housing. I will know more when fI get thhe 235 bell and flywheel off tomorrow. I just couldn't figure why most were using the old six volt starter unless it was they hadn't already converted to 12 volt. The old 6 volt starter I have been using was still working well with 12 volts when I pulled the 216 engine yesterday. The guts of the 216 bell housing look a mess compared to the shinny 235 which I bought as having 3,000 miles on rebuild.

Thanks, I know know enought to keep from getting into real serious trouble as I proceed. If it was one of my old t models, I would know a lot more about the situation.
Bob

Dear Bob;

It's because the 6V starter is compatable with the 1951 electrical system.

Your "asking for trouble" when you mix things and you should really think this over.

John M......

Thanks John M. I am already on 12 volts with right light bulbs, correct voltage reducer on gas gauge, 12 volt heater motor, 12 volt internal resistor on coil, and a recucer for radio if i use old one.

I very much appreciate your help
Bob Blankenship

B;

The voltage is not the issue.

The solenoid on the 51 system grounds to activate.

The later 1955-62 version is totally different electricaly. You will need to re-wire the starter/ignition circuits to make all that work.

JM..