Hi, I am considering replacing my stove bolt with a 350 v8 with an auto in my 51 chevy coe. The question is will it fit and what do i have to do for motor mounts/crossmembers etc? Anyone attempt this project? Pictures?I am retaining the original frame. Thanks for your time
Hi Chris, I am sure it has been done before but I would guess, not easily. I am no pro and there are a lot more qualified people here to give you a better answer. I think the space between the rails, infront of the firewall and the limitations of the cab floor would make it a challenge. Seems as though a lot of folks do it like Kiwiwilly did with is most awesome truck, https://www.flickr.com/photos/86936723@N04/ and put the motor behind the cab. Which ever way you go, good luck with the project. I look forward to seeing your build.
~ Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures 1959 GMC 860 | Pictures 1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
There's a guy on "Youtube" that stuffed a 455 Cadillac Eldorado front wheel drive unit,under an A.D. hood/cab.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28MRGe8dkx0 A Small block would surely be easier,but probably 47-ill a bunch of work. The V-8 should be shorter than the I-6,but you may have to change your steering box to the outside frame rail,to make room for the wider block. you may have to fab access to your firewall/trans. tunnel,but you could make an access door for your distributor,like the '60-'66 L.C.F.'s.Another guy set his cab on a '72 Chevy C-10 frame,and it looks like a sweet swap,but have no idea of the work involved. Sir Billy Marlow, (G.M.C. 860 Fabricator Extraordinaire), has another suggestion of mounting the engine behind the cab. This is "do-able",but limits your cargo space,unless you're planning on an elevated car-hauler platform. Good luck on your build!! Just a few suggestions. WELCOME to THE "Bolt"!!
Mr. Willly Thanks for your research. Ill take a look. I My goals to retain as muxh as original as possiblenso over the upcoming winter I hope to start this part of the project.
my '46 1.5 ton school bus came with a 350 Chevy installed and my tapering front frame rails are only about 26" near where the mounts were. There was room to spare all around. I am replacing the Chevy motor with a Cummins 4BT which will be a much tighter fit simply due to it's configuration.
Tango, Thats very good to know. Ill start to get some measuring,hope to get some pics up on one of those website type things to document the build Thanks Chris
Hey Chris...I have had good luck with Flickr. can't wait to see the snub-nose. LOVE those COE's. Shopped all over for one to convert to an RV but finally gave up and got a school bus.
Why a V8. Be easier to Hot Rod a 6 cyl., & keep it closer to stock looking. This would eliminate alot of unseen problems. I've owned pretty close to thirty COE's through the years, & seen quite a few V8's stuffed into original frames. Most that did it, said if they had it to do over, they would have either put the engine behind the cab, or put the cab on a later chassis already V8 equipped. Remember if you put a V8, in that original frame, you'll have to find a better suited rear axle also.
Spanky Hardy Collector Of Fine Old G.M. COE Trucks & Antique Holmes Wreckers
Hi Spanky, I did change the rear end to a 4.63 ratio out of a 96 chevy 3500 running 19.5's I have a 261 ready to go in, but i was thinking better carb set up as the coe seems only to take an updraft. I am looking into a custom intake as well so i can run a regular 2 barrel. I don't want to change the chassis as i am also trying to stay original , but improve daily drivability. I did upgrade the brakes to disks(thanks Grigg for the help)
