Finally got my brakes working after retrofitting a modern power brake booster and master cylinder under the floor using the original pedal assembly. Now I could finally take my V8-converted '52 GMC 3/4 ton out for a drive.
First of all, the reason I converted is because #1, my 235 had a catastrophic failure, and #2, I could not find any 292 blocks in my neck of the woods, and #3, I had a spare 350 literally just sitting around that I pulled out of an IROC-Z that I got rid of.
So when I started the truck, it was like holding my breath hoping everything worked. It idles nice and feels similar to how it felt with the 235 except that it idles a LOT smoother. That 235 would vibrate through the entire truck, but the 350 just purrs. Starting off, my torque is a little better right off of idle than I remember it. But once the secondaries kick in, there is this strange and powerful surge that squeezes you back in your seat, then you shift, and same thing. It's no race car, but it sure has that intoxicating V8 thrust. That's the main thing that is different from the 235.
I chose to use the stock SM-465 4-speed transmission. There are bellhousings available to adapt a V8 to these trannies. I had a spare flywheel off a '68 Corvette that I was able to use, and bought a new '68 Corvette clutch. But literally everything regarding this conversion had to be customized. Nothing's very hard, mind you, but everything had to be engineered from scratch. I had converted to a crossflow truck radiator, a 3-core brass/copper, which worked good until the waterpump shaft came flying out of the waterpump and the fan tried to chew through the radiator, destroying it. That was the only complication. But between that and the original brakes going out on me last year, seems I spent that whole summer last year fixing stuff.
Finally I got to take it out. I know the cool factor is not nearly as great as having a stovebolt, especially if it's a big inch stovebolt. And nothing I've done is irreversable, so I can always go back to a 292 if I ever found one. But I've gotta tell ya, this V8 is a really nicely matched motor for one of these trucks, and the thrust is just the medicine this old truck needed. It's more fun to drive than ever.
I encourage the conversion for anyone thinking of it, but at the same time, my hat's off to anyone who chooses a stovebolt instead. Because yours are the coolest still.
