The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 58 Stepvan engine swap

I pulled the ol 235 from my 58 Grumman (GM chassis). Can anyone tell me what modern engine will fit best with minimal modification? The original engine had a downdraft manifold and carb to save space, I guess. A mechanic said he might try a Jeep 4.0. I would appreciate any input on this quandary. Thanks.

Most likely, you mean "updraft" manifold/carburetor?

If you swap the engine out, please post the engine, manifolds, and carburetor in the Swap Meet.

A 250 6 cyl will be the easiest. They are plentiful & run real good. I believe if you use a offset air filter the stock manifold & carb will work.

Yes updraft-my mistake.

Thank you very much-I'll take a look at the 250.

Hi-I found a 250 and a 292. Wondered if 292 was any better? Thanks for any input. Chaz

Nothing from the 235 will fit on the 250/292. You can use the transmission if you get the later bell housing. later 6 cylinder bell housing is the same as a V-8.
Fred

In my initial grand plans I sold the '55 235 w/transmission that was in it. Hindsight says I probably should have just kept it. So now I'm going in from scratch -shaft and rear end. I found a good deal on a 292 plus transmission, but I'm thinking maybe I should just keep looking for a 261 or return to a 235. The truck will have a fair ammount of equipment in it, so I'm looking for a bit of extra power. Will a 292 even fit? 261s seem a little rare. Thanks A Lot. Chaz

The 292 is a great engine with lots of torque. 230/250/292 family engines have similar physical dimensions to a 235/261. The 292 shares many components with the 250 with the exception of the block being taller to account for a longer stroke.
Fred

The motor mounts are different on a 292, they are offset from each other and the 250 mounts are across from each other. If you go the 250 route you can buy a universal crossmember mount for a small block chevy and it will mount easy and also fit the 250 mounts.

Found a 250-no transmission though. Thinking of putting in an automatic. I heard there is a kit to modify gear shift on the column to auto. Will the 250 clear the radiator ok-I saw both opinions yes & no I will have to run an electric fan. Any other obstacles I might be prepared for? Thanks!

Why not replace with a good 235 or 261 that are direct replacements? Will save lots of time trying to modify things to fit in your tight engine bay...just a thought.

Place a want ad here in the Wanted section and see what pops up...

Mike B

Does anyone know if a late 261 will mount up to a cast auto powerglide? I think the 261 is a 59 or 60 and powerglide is a 55. The stepvan had a three on the tree, can I alter the shifter for an automatic? Can motor mounts and distrubtor work on the 261 from the 235? Thanks for any help. Chaz

A 261 will bolt to a Power Glide that was behind a 235.
Distributor will interchange.
Front mount could be a problem if it is a 1960-62 engine.

Thanks Guys-Appreciate all the good info! It looks like the orig updraft manifold will fit on the 261-however research shows a Rochester updraft carb on the original. I can't even locate a picture of one let alone purchase one. Just use a Carter? I think if I go the downdraft way I will have to cut/modify the cab to make room. Any ideas welcome. Thanks, Chaz

I looked at the 261 today & it is a 59-62, looks like a 61. What is the problem with the motor mounts for these years?

I think I see the problem. The front mounts where the 235 was do not seem to go to the 261. The 261 does have a place for side mounts, are there any types that can be made to fit the 58 chassis. I thought I saw a timing cover that might be able to attach the front mounts, does anyone know about the compatability of these? Thanks.

The front motor mount location changed in 1959 (as you point out). I do not think a timing cover will help but an earlier front plate would have the correct front motor-mounts bolt-holes (or, it would have a lip in the plate that could be drilled for the front motor-mount bolt-holes).

Pre '68 Dave, or someone else, will post corrections and/or better explanations.

There was a post here recently where someone used the 1932-55 first series front mount on a later truck, mounting it off the timing plate.
There is the need for some creative mounting to install a 1960-62 engine in a 1958.

Sometimes there is too much info available to process...

I like this page for comparing early Chevy 6's. Really does not address 55 or later cars/trucks, but maybe there is something about the motor mounts you can use.
URL

This page covers 60-66 trucks but may be useful as well.
Link
Does your motor have a horse-shoe front mount as shown?

If none of this helps - then I apologize.
Good luck with your truck.

His is most likely mounted like the one in this link.

The first link is a time-honored presentation created by Pre '68 Dave.

Does anyone know of where to find side mounts and adapters to fit on the frame?

Almost all of the aftermarket suppliers like Jim Carters carry crossmembers, but they are designed for V8's and would need to be modified for a 235.

Could a 58 283 fit in this engine compartment? It looks like it has front mounts that would fit.

the 283 was an optional engine for 58 [55 up really, and any small block], so likely it'd fit in a step van, but you may need some mods to accommodate the dog house

Bill

Ok, that's what I thought. I just wanted to make sure before I bought the engine.

Any SBC has the provision for front mounts, but the early small blocks didn't have side mount provisions. This could be a good option.

Chaz 58, I've seen several of our stepvans modified to accomodate a V8, most commonly the 350. However, any engine mod you make will require redoing your doghouse, as Bill mentioned. Guess that's why they originally used the updraft carb. Mine is a '55, but they are probably the same dimensions.
Good luck!

I guess I thought he meant mods to the engine, I really was hoping to leave the house intact. Victor, any other info you have on this subject as far as obstacles in installation would be a great help.

Sorry Chaz, I don't have any details. Saw one in CA once that had a 350/700R combo in it, but didn't get into any swap details. There's certainly no crime to modifying your doghouse to get the truck you want. Continue to do your research, measure twice, cut once! Good luck!

So I have the 283, now to switch it to automatic do I need to get a cast powerglide or will an aluminum work as well. I see there is a kit to switch the column shift to auto. How about the rear granny gears? Will the motor produce too much strain on them?

Will the powerglide attach to the crossmember like the manual did? Is a different drive shaft needed for yoke or for length?

I have a 1960 261 block and a complete 1965 235. The 261 is missing the rocker arm assembly, water pump, distributor, harmonic balancer and manifold/carb. Can someone tell me what parts will interchange from the 235 to 261? The rocker arm assembly is what I'm concerned with the most.
I suupose if I can find another donnor motor, then maybe the same year as the 261 would work best?

235's were only made up to 1962, so your 1965 engine is most likely a 230. There is nothing from a 230 that fits a 261.
Rockers from a 235 will fit a 261.
1959-62 rockers would work best, but 1950-58 would work with minor oil supply conversion.

Thanks Dave!

Does anyone know where I can pickup the rocker arm assembly for a '60 261/235?

No idea on 235 rockers besides in the swap meet section of this forum or something, but a belated welcome to the forum from another GA member!

BTW; that username sucks, lol! ...are you unfortunate enough to have it say that on your drivers license like mine does, too?

-the other Chaz from GA.

I don't know about BTW?
You are just down the block from me though, I'm in the sticks in Euharlee.

Hey Dave-if you're out there-what does the minor oil supply conversion consist of if I can't find a 59-62 rocker assembly?