nickname came from; some think it is because the hardware used on the engine looks like the hardware used in old stoves. Others have said that it has to do with Ford owners needing something insulting to call their competition. No matter where the name came from, it stuck over the years and refers to Chevrolet 6-cylinder engines from 1929 to 1962.
The Stovebolt is an amazing engine in its simplicity, yet it has very strong torque specifications and an ability to handle the heavy abuse of the American Industrial Age hauling steel, wood, and all the products of an emerging economy. In Kansas, it was used for agriculture and was significant in the effort to feed the entire world.
Although the Stovebolt was a strong runner with very good statistics, the 1929–1953 engines had one weak spot. This does not diminish its heritage, mainly because the engine used the technology of its day. I am referring to the babbit used in making the engine’s bearings. In engines after 1953, Chevrolet used insert bearings. The company still uses the same technology today. But prior to 1953, engine rebuilders had to learn the art of repouring babbit into the bearings forms. They then had to shave off this babbit and shape the “bearings” into proper form. This was time-consuming, expensive, and less accurate than the next technology.
As time went by, these babbit professionals grew older and retired. Now, you are lucky to find a babbit professional. This is the main reason that most 1929–1953 Chevrolet cars and trucks have the newer 1954–1962 Stovebolts in them. It was not cost effective or, in many cases, even possible to salvage an older 216/235 engine. That heritage lives on, however, because you can use some of the parts from the older engines on newer ones.
You can tell this is a 1954 or early 1955 by the slits in the more modern valve cover. The 235 of that era is called the Thriftmaster.
This 1964 261 has a replacement block (no numbers on the distributor deck). The 261 of that era is called Jobmaster.
It is easy to see the evolution of these engines year by year. The big transition year was late 1953. The 1954–1955 235 engines used some bottom-end parts from the older 216/235 series.
For the reasons stated above, I concentrate on the newer vintage 1954–1962 235 and 261 engines. In this book, I perform a complete rebuild of a 1959 235 engine. This is the tail end of the Stovebolt era and a good example of how to do a proper rebuild. If you have a 261 engine, a good article to read is found at devestechnet.com/Home/TheVenerable261.
With a little patience and the ability to read instructions carefully, it is a very rewarding experience to rebuild one of these engines. I also use the principles of restoration, which means that you stop and evaluate every step of the process and take no shortcuts; no matter what.
I hope you enjoy the journey!
WHAT IS A WORKBENCH® BOOK?
This Workbench® Series book is the only book of its kind on the market. No other book offers the same combination of detailed hands-on information and revealing color photographs to illustrate engine rebuilding. Rest assured, you have purchased an indispensable companion that will expertly guide you, one step at a time, through each important stage of the rebuilding process. This book is packed with real world techniques and practical tips for expertly performing rebuild procedures, not vague instructions or unnecessary processes. At-home mechanics or enthusiast builders strive for professional results, and the instruction in our Workbench® Series books help you realize pro-caliber results. Hundreds of photos guide you through the entire process from start to finish, with informative captions containing comprehensive instructions for every step of the process.
The step-by-step photo procedures also contain many additional photos that show how to install high-performance components, modify stock components for special applications, or even call attention to assembly steps that are critical to proper operation or safety. These are labeled with unique icons. These symbols represent an idea, and photos marked with the icons contain important, specialized information.
Here are some of the icons found in Workbench® books:
Calls special attention to a step or procedure, so that the procedure is correctly performed. This prevents damage to a vehicle, system, or component.
Illustrates a method or alternate method of performing a rebuild step that will save money but still give acceptable results.
Illustrates a fastener that must be properly tightened with a torque wrench at this point in the rebuild. The torque specs are usually provided in the step.
Illustrates the use of a special tool that may be required or can make the job easier (caption with photo explains further).
Indicates a procedure or modification that can improve performance. Step most often applies to high-performance or racing engines.
Indicates that a component must be inspected to ensure proper operation of the engine.
Illustrates a precision measurement or adjustment that is required at this point in the rebuild.
Illustrates a step in the rebuild that nonprofessionals may not know. It may illustrate a shortcut, or a trick to improve reliability, prevent component damage, etc.
Illustrates a point in the rebuild where the reader should write down a particular measurement, size, part number, etc. for later reference or photograph a part, area or system of the vehicle for future reference.
Tech Tips provide brief coverage of important subject matter that doesn’t naturally fall into the text or
