Learned basic auto repair on a 1965 Chevy Nova with a 230ci straight six. I really miss the simplicity of the engine and Powerglide two speed tranny. In my newer Toyota, I can't even get to the plugs without disassembling the top of the engine. Thanks for the video and memories!
@@Rick-qf5de I think the 230 head is the same as a 250 head (non-integrated head). Sometimes folks use a 194ci head for higher compression. Not sure if it increases MPG.
I had one in a 64 Chevy Truck, Great Engine!! Had a 3 speed and 12 bolt that truck would Get up and Go Right Down the Road. I miss how simple and well build they where.
Sounds great and really healthy! Reminds me of our Oliver tractor, man those things could pull and worked hard. I bet that 230 runs smooth down the road!
I love my inline 230. Simple and easy to work on. Cool factor too. Adding power steering can be tricky but there are vendors out there who have the kits if you don’t insist on a factory pump bracket.
Prior to 1967 Chevy painted the 230 and 250 engines a “flame blue“ color. The in-line 292 engine was painted a light green, and the 283 V8 was painted gray. In 1967, GM decided to paint all engines orange. If you are trying to stay factory correct, flame blue would be correct for a 1963 230 engine.
Nice runnin' engine, but you've set the low idle speed too low. Should be 600, not 500 (although kudos for getting to run that good at 500). Oil pressure will then be up a little more, closer to 30-32 psi.
I think the factory manual says 500-600. I'll double check. It's back in the truck now and I've used a vacuum gauge to tune the carb. Not sure what idle rpms are right now.
@@Lugnutz65 As late as the 1960's, some engines were still set with a 450-500 rpm low idle speed, but mechanics, going back to WWII, found that this was detrimental to the engine's health, as it just didn't get the oil around the engine with enough...."vigor" (for lack of a better word). My dad was one of those mechanics and he saw first hand how the factory mantra of the time was wrong. Many of those guys found upping the idle, slightly, to 600 rpm did wonders for helping an engine last longer. The idea became common practice by the 1970's and all the American made engines through the 90's were set with at least a 600 rpm low idle speed. The imports from Japan brought that speed up even higher in some cases. I owned a 1989 Mazda truck for over 20 years and it worked just fine with a low idle speed of 800 rpm. ...so just a friendly FYI from someone who was raised with this stuff and has done some of the work himself....sometimes you have to look at the situation and make up your own mind whether you're going to follow the manual verbatim or not. Even the factory isn't always right. Reset your low idle to 600 rpm. Your engine will love you for it. =)
Learned basic auto repair on a 1965 Chevy Nova with a 230ci straight six. I really miss the simplicity of the engine and Powerglide two speed tranny. In my newer Toyota, I can't even get to the plugs without disassembling the top of the engine. Thanks for the video and memories!
My bad. I said 2003. I meant 1963.
I’ve built a 250 for my 36 Plymouth coupe. Balanced bottom end, modified head, triple carb and headers. Can’t wait to get that thing running.
Using a 230 head on a 250 block.... Milled down and valve job....
Low end torque and extreme fuel mileage.... !!!
@@Rick-qf5de I think the 230 head is the same as a 250 head (non-integrated head). Sometimes folks use a 194ci head for higher compression. Not sure if it increases MPG.
I had one in a 64 Chevy Truck, Great Engine!! Had a 3 speed and 12 bolt that truck would Get up and Go Right Down the Road. I miss how simple and well build they where.
This engine is running great and starts up every time. MPG is around 14 but that might improve with some carb adjustments.
Beautiful !, I have a 68 chevelle with a 250 in it !!!.
They run amazingly well.
Sounds great and really healthy! Reminds me of our Oliver tractor, man those things could pull and worked hard. I bet that 230 runs smooth down the road!
Yes indeed. It runs really well, even with a Rochester B 1 barrel carburetor.
I just received a 230 inline 6! After watching this video I think I'm just going to hang on to the little booger
I love my inline 230. Simple and easy to work on. Cool factor too. Adding power steering can be tricky but there are vendors out there who have the kits if you don’t insist on a factory pump bracket.
Thanks I'll check into that power steering
@@mustanggarland24
Not a factory setup but I’ve seen one in person and it’s a nice setup. www.yogisinc.com/Y602L
More than adequate for most uses. Sounds like a school bus👍👍👍👍
Motores casi eternos 👌
what a wonderful engine., too bad people always swap them out for V8s
I agree.
Wonderful engine indeed!
sounds like my grandma's 74 firebird 👀
Nice
Got it!
I just bought a 1963 Nova, it has a blue engine in it. Did some Novas come with blue engines?
Prior to 1967 Chevy painted the 230 and 250 engines a “flame blue“ color. The in-line 292 engine was painted a light green, and the 283 V8 was painted gray. In 1967, GM decided to paint all engines orange. If you are trying to stay factory correct, flame blue would be correct for a 1963 230 engine.
Sweet
Will a Chevy V8 bolt to your engine stand without modifying it?
Yes. That stand will hold a SBC, BBC, and even Ford. I currently have a LM7 on it. I love my run stand.
Faded
You didn't show us the timing?
Timing was about 6* BTDC.
@@Lugnutz65 is 6* normal for the inclined 6?
@@Ford360CID
My factory manual says 4* BTDC. I can usually get away with 6* or 8* without pinging.
Nice runnin' engine, but you've set the low idle speed too low. Should be 600, not 500 (although kudos for getting to run that good at 500). Oil pressure will then be up a little more, closer to 30-32 psi.
I think the factory manual says 500-600. I'll double check. It's back in the truck now and I've used a vacuum gauge to tune the carb. Not sure what idle rpms are right now.
@@Lugnutz65 As late as the 1960's, some engines were still set with a 450-500 rpm low idle speed, but mechanics, going back to WWII, found that this was detrimental to the engine's health, as it just didn't get the oil around the engine with enough...."vigor" (for lack of a better word).
My dad was one of those mechanics and he saw first hand how the factory mantra of the time was wrong. Many of those guys found upping the idle, slightly, to 600 rpm did wonders for helping an engine last longer.
The idea became common practice by the 1970's and all the American made engines through the 90's were set with at least a 600 rpm low idle speed.
The imports from Japan brought that speed up even higher in some cases. I owned a 1989 Mazda truck for over 20 years and it worked just fine with a low idle speed of 800 rpm.
...so just a friendly FYI from someone who was raised with this stuff and has done some of the work himself....sometimes you have to look at the situation and make up your own mind whether you're going to follow the manual verbatim or not.
Even the factory isn't always right.
Reset your low idle to 600 rpm. Your engine will love you for it. =)
Where was it made at? What kind of head does it have?
It’s a factory 1963 Chevy 230ci C10 truck engine. Factory head. Pretty sure it was made in Flint, Michigan.
“January 30, 2003”…casting numbers for a 230? Not sure if that accurate?🤔
Yes, other folks have pointed out my error. Haha! The words just came out wrong. Should obviously have said 1963. Engine still runs terrific!
Dude can I buy that off you?
It’s in my 1963 Chevy C10. Runs great.
I want to put my old 230 in a triumph or MG car