[watchdog]

Hi..Does anyone know where I can find info on the 216 6 cyl. I went to inliners.org and their search feature seems to be down (not working). Im wondering about original horsepower, performance upgrades, and engine swaps. Thanks everyone, I appreciate it.

[Barry.M]

G'day watchdog,

Horsepower for 1940 Chevy's with the 216 c.i. remained unchanged since 1937 and was 85hp @ 3200rpm. Rated horsepower was increased in 1941 to 90hp with cylinder head improvements etc.. This remained unchanged until the introduction of the 235 c.i. in 1950.

Personally I wouldn't bother with Performance work on a 216 c.i.. I would go for a 235 or 261 c.i. motor. They look the same as a 216 c.i. and have the advantage of higher compressions, (and other improvements) particularly late 50's early 60's motors. 1940 Chevy's are heavy and you'll need all the torque you can get to haul that sheetmetal arround !......

Another option for you is the GMC 6. This motor "looks" very similar to the Chevy 6 and was available in several sizes 228/248/270 c.i.. These motors were very popular for a few years before V8's became the motor of choice, more cubes, more horsepower. Very few (if any) parts interchange with the Chevy 6.

You'll have to dig arround for performance info.. Speedway motors have a reprint of a book "How to Hop up Chevrolet and GMC 6 cylinder Engines" originally printed in 1951. This book has quite a bit of info. on performance building of pre 7 bearing Chevy 6's.

Another reprint of a performance book (don't know if it is still available) entitled "Souping the Stock Engine" originally printed in 1950 by Floyd Clymer. This book is more general covering quite a few motors of the time.

Good Luck.......Barry.

[matt167]

Manifolds and exhaust for 235 applications will work with the 216 but as stated, it is not worth it... a '53-'54 235 will look exactly like the 216 but they are full preassure oiling and have insert bearings, where as the '37-'52 216/235 uses babited bearings..


Heres what my '53 Motors manual has for specs on a '40 216

85 Hp @ 3,200 170 Ft/Lbs tq @ 900... Oil preassure is 15 PSI at 40 MPH. 6.25:1 compression ratio

[watchdog]

Thanks for the replies....Is the 235 or the GMC 6's a direct swap? Ive swapped out plenty of 305's for 350's and I like them type of swaps! I just dont want to do alot of fab if I dont have to. The car is all original. Thanks.

[dalesy]

The 235 or the 261 should be pretty much a bolt-in, but the GMC is a little bigger, a little different. Probably going to have to change motormounts, and don't know if the trans will bolt up.

[matt167]

Originally Posted by watchdog

Thanks for the replies....Is the 235 or the GMC 6's a direct swap? Ive swapped out plenty of 305's for 350's and I like them type of swaps! I just dont want to do alot of fab if I dont have to. The car is all original. Thanks.

235 is pretty much a direct swap.. you will need to put your 216 motor plates on the 235, a '53-'54 Engine will have the correct water pump, but the later engines use a longer pump and a diffrent design, you will just need the adaptor to make the old pump work, otherwise it will be too long.

[watchdog]

Would swapping in a 292 be a major undertaking?

[matt167]

Originally Posted by watchdog

Would swapping in a 292 be a major undertaking?

yes it would be a major undertaking.. need new trans, which means your old torque tube setup and rear differential will need replaced.. along with the rear leaf springs as the old 1's were designed for a torque tube. custom motor mounts, deffinete conversion to 12v ect...