Thread: Does Anyone Have A Chevy 216 V6 Motor That Needs To Be Rebuilt?

Tweet

Too bad you're so far away from Canada, I can get lots of 216's around here. I agree with everybody else, put a 235 in it, or better still, a 261 Pontiac or Chev truck engine. they were made from '55 to '62, and are the best of the "stovebolts".As for not being original, many cars were changed up to the later engines on warranty back in the '50's, when the old "dippers" gave up too early,so what's "original" in that case?

I think that I'm off to a good start with the cars I've already had. I had two cars before I ever even got my permit.


I doubt that you built either car. You are about to enter a whole new arena with this '48, and I think your youthfulness is steering you in somewhat of the wrong direction. While I can understand one's desire to resurrect an old car that has been lying dormant for many years, you may be getting in over your head.

First of all is the skill level needed to do this sort of rebuild. When you asked what a compression test was, it tells me you have never actually done any work on a car. A compression test is about as basic as it gets. Secondly, you will need a whole lot of tools, which you may or may not have access to.

Thirdly you are choosing to replace an engine that is not the easiest to rebuild, or perhaps the best choice even if you could. These babbitt pounders were replaced by Chevy for a good reason, and as 76GMC1500 said, you just don't find machine shops capable of working on these on every street corner anymore.

And finally, you are starting with a car that is not exactly the most desirable car in the world to begin with. Not knocking it, but facts are facts. The cost of doing some cars vastly outweighs the value of the finished product. You would be better off, for your first build, to find one in running condition, and then learn basic auto skills from it. An ambitious project like this one would tax even seasoned car rebuilders.

As for the Vette and the other first car you had, I suspect these didn't come from your hard earned labor, but rather from some benefactor (parent perhaps), especially since you are only 15. The cars you can really brag about are the ones you earn the money to buy and maintain.

My advise is to leave the Chevy resting and find something you have a chance to actually get on the street. Youthful enthusiasm only goes so far, and then disappointment sets in, and the project never gets done. Sorry to be so frank, but I think you need the other side of the picture, too.


Don

My advice . . . wander over to the stovebolt (I posted the link in another thread) forum and do a lot of reading. While guys on this board are always willing to help anyone, most of us are rodders, not restorers.

216's and 235's weren't a good motor when they were new, why waste a lot of time and money on one??? Upgrade the car to a V-8, modern driveline, brakes and suspension and you'll have a car you can drive and enjoy. When you're ready to sell it and move on to another project, it will bring a whole lot more money modified and driveable than a stocker ever willl.......

One thing I have not seen mentioned is the first hing you need to do after you get the car pulled out.......

GET A TITlE FOR IT. Depending on the state laws where your at this potentially can be a long drawn out process and it would be a shame to go through all the work and money only to find out you don't own the car.

I agree with what the others say.. The 216 is an antiquated engine that has a splash oil system that doesn't work as well as the 235 or 250 engines. The 235 engine can still be found in junk yards as there were thousands of them built. My freind had a 51 chevy convertible that you could drive nicely at 55-60mph, but he found out the hard way when he tried to hot rod it. He eventually changed to the 235 from a 56 chevy and still has it to this day although it's been built up wit a milder cam , dual exhaust, better heads and a 4 barrel cam.

Itoldyouso-I understand everything your saying. The only car that was just flat out given to me is the 48. Sure my parents helped me out, but I paid $330 of the $1000 on the Trans Am and $1000 of the $5,600 on the Vette. I worked hard for the cars I have. And you're right I didn't really "rebuild them". On the Trans Am I did some body work. The Vette hasn't needed anything that required anyone to be too skilled. I have a while to think about the engine choose. I have access to everything I would need, to do body work or anything else that needs to be done. My Grandpa is a dumptruck driver, so he has pretty much every tool known to man. I'm not in any rush with the car. It's just something I was given and it gives me something to do when I'm at his house. It may be up to two years before the body work is done. Like I said I'm only 15 and have alot to learn from you guys and my Grandpa. My Uncle also rebuilds cars. Not quite as old, but he does everything. Right down to painting them. He mainly rebuilds cars from the late 60's to the early 70's. He is going to paint my Vette this summer.
Zak

DCP_0015.JPGson, my advise to you is do what you can afford and build it the way you want,I got tried of people telling me to do this and do that but no matter what you do you will always meet a critic,I have the total of 6 cars and trucks (all classics in my opinion)that I build the way I wanted and like them,
the 47 fleetline(all original ) is one of my favorites to drive ( the year I was born), I got my interest in cars from my brothers at a very early age too!
my children and grand children like cars, so it's always good to see someone as young as your self show interest in cars,but yes it can be costly,you might want to look close to you area for a motor to save on freight or look for a wrecked or donor car that you can take parts off ,good luck!!

What I meant by rebuilding a 216 was taking it completely apart cleaning it and replacing anything that isn't working. I'm new at this and I don't know everything.
Zak

I was looking on Ebay and there was one for $50, but it's somewhere up north. If I'm going to rebuild a car I want it original. I don't like when people go to customizing the older cars. I feel it takes alot out of them. The 47 Fleetline is just like the Stylemaster but alot nicer. Isn't it?
Zak

My car looks just like except mine is a 4 door. I know it's not the most sporty car, but I like the way it looks.

You're car is very nice. Did you restore it yourself? Where did you get the parts?

Since I got this car for free I want to use this car to learn all of the skills you need to rebuild these old cars. Someone may think it's not worth it, but I like working on things. And I guess if it's already in bad condition I can't break anything.

Trust me, you don't want to deal with splash lubrication and poured lead bearings. It's going to cost you $$$ in machine shop bills and towing expenses.

I'm new to this. What's so bad about them?