Engine History:  Our family had two classic Chevy trucks, a 1957 short wheelbase (SWB) stepside and a 1970 SWB fleetside.  The 1970 truck was lost due to unforeseen circumstances, however the running gear was harvested prior to the truck leaving our possession. 

The 1957 SWB stepside, meant to be an original restoration, suffered a catastrophic engine failure as the 235 I6 engine literally broke in half.  Highly dismayed and searching for a replacement engine, it hit me; why not put the 1970 running gear in the 1957 truck?  This way, what's left of the two family trucks would be combined as one!

After much research regarding engine rebuilders, we decided to go with Herb Glaesmann Engine Service out of Spring, TX.  His shop came highly recommended as he has provided numerous engine set-ups and sales on eBay, etc. 

This section will cover the rebuild of our family engine.  Hopefully, we will have pictures and details to chronicle the work. 

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine Cast # - 3970010....350...69-80...4 bolt main
Engine VIN # - VO512TAX
Engine Head # - 1970 3932441....69-70...350..........76cc chambers
                          1.94/1.50 valves, 76cc chambers
                          Intake flow 152 CFM
                          Exhaust flow 93.2 CFM
Intake manifold # - 3965577 350 4 iron Qjet B F X    300,350hp

Herb's comments:   The motor built started with a 350-4 bolt main block.  The casting number was #3970010, sporting the original casting number #441 heads.   Finding a virgin engine, this age (circa 1970), is INCREDIBLE!!   The motor was in good enough shape, allowing only .030" cylinder bore increase and the crankshaft was ground only .010"/.010" undersize.  The machining process, included resizing the connecting rod big ends to OEM spec's and magnaflux inspection for cracks and defects.  The heads received a 3-angle valve job, new guides, and hardened valve seats.  This will allow the use of unleaded fuel.  The gasket surface was decked for head gasket retention.

After the machine work on the block, crank, rods, and heads were completed, the cylinders were fitted with FLATTOP hypereutectic pistons.  This will yield a 9.2 to 1 compression ratio, with the 76cc combustion chambers.  The camshaft selected has 204`/214`@.050 specifications with 0.446" lift on 112` LSA, providing 19-20 inches idle vacuum and GREAT street performance!  Power range for this combo is 1400-5000 rpm's, IDEAL for a daily driver or weekend cruiser.  Expect approximately 300hp and 360ft.lbs. torque, working best with a 3.23-3.55 rear axle ratio. 

Engine History

216 cu in. Casting #

235 cu in. Casting #

261 cu in. Casting #.

Engine Block Terminology