Educate me: 1965 230 interchange with another I6

[catneck]

Ok.
My 230 is smoking and I want to swap out with another 6.
They seem abundant, only in different displacements.
I'm looking for a drop in,low buck fix.
250?
292?
235?
Thanks

[66Submarine]

The 230 is a 3rd generation inline six, part of the 194-230-250-292 series that started in '62.

All of them bolt up except the 292, which has a block 1.75" taller than the 194-250 and a special offset right/passenger side engine mount "perch" (the part mounted on the frame of the truck). If you swap that it also bolts right up, but the exhaust (or anything else on the head) will be moved up 1.75" and might need to be modded.

250 would probably be my choice; they seem to be the most common and are the largest displacement in the series besides the much less common 292.

The 235 was the previous series and is a totally different deal.

[TJ's Chevy]

Both the 250 and 292 are easy and cheap finds all over. The 250 is a great choice...and has a few pros over the 292 when it comes to hotrodding. 250 will bolt right in place over where that 230 was...the 292 has a different engine mount location on the distributor side.

[luvbowties]

For cheapest and/or easiest as a drop-in, use a 250: a good engine. For maximum torque and horsepower in stock condition, use a 292: also a good engine. IMHO, both these should supersede choosing a 230--still a good engine--but our sleds just need more power.

Remember, just my opinion. Enjoy your ride and luck on making a happy choice!
Sam

[catneck]

Thanks all.
Great board.