Here's the important part; swap the motor but keep ALL the parts including bellhousing, starter, flywheel, clutch etc etc from the old 216. When you try to mix up these pieces is when you get in trouble. The 6 volt starter loves the 12 volts.
My 46 is a 261, the bellhousing is original as are all the pieces inside, no problems.
BTW, Im using a 1946 11' flywheel, disc and pressure plate from a 2 ton truck. I've seen guys try to stuff a 11"er from a later 50s truck and it would not go into the OLD bellhousing.
Another point on the old trucks; the bellhousing that fits your truck is the key piece. It is the point of attachment for the main mounts, the trans, the master cylinder and pedal mount (on some years). Whatever inline motor you use 216,235 or 261 or even GMC will work forward of the bellhousing. BUT, everything back of the bellhousing may not necessarily interchange without some mods.
Last edited by JiMerit; 02/24/2008 8:06 PM.
