Originally posted by 51chevynewbie:
I'm pretty new to the world of old chevys, just got a hold of a 51 3100 with a 55 235 and a 3 on the tree, orig. torque tube, etc.
I also got a hold of a 350 and would like to build it up, and put a new tranny and rearend in it.
I haven't found much info on the engine swap, and was wondering if anyone had any info on what I'm guessing is a common swap. Any other comments and suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks
I put a 327 in a '51 back when I was 17 & fits just fine. Offset it about 3/4 inch to the right & use an 80's Camaro manifold on the left side. It exits at the rear and will clear the steering box. I kept the origional 4-speed trans & rear-end, and it held up fine despite torture the likes of which no truck should ever have to endure. (your 3-speed would be another story though) The motor was a dual 4-barrel Corvette motor, and I used to street race it. This truck would do 3rd-gear burnouts a block long.
darn, was I ever stupid....
If you're really esoteric, a Jaguar 4.2 works very nicely too. Fits easily, 265 HP, and it really should have been a truck motor in the first place, with all that low-end torque.
