"So a "reasonable" engine swap would need to be 1929 to 1935 (194,181 or 207)? or just rebuild the existing engine?
And, an early 216 from 1936 to 1953 would require a lot of modifications to make it work in a 1929?
Are the flywheels and bell housings different before or after 1935?
Thanks for your help!"
Lee,
The 207 engine was actually used through end of the 1936 model year. My '36 pickup has one and every other original '36 that I've seen in the 52 years I've owned my '36 has one also. The '32-'36 synchromesh style transmission cases are the same although the '32 has unique gear ratios and the '32-'33 units have an auxiliary casting on the back housing a "freewheeling" device. So the '32-'36 bellhousings have the same transmission bolt patterns.
If you need the length of the '36 engine let me know and I'll measure mine.
Engine swapping always leaves the option for an original restoration later. When I first got my '36 PU in 1965 I made a sbc powered rat rod out of it and it was my daily driver like that for 5 years and about 50K miles. Then I restored it and there is no sign of it's prior rat rod status.
