The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine ?

Picking up my 1951 truck has no engine or transmission. What would be the preferred v8 engine to put in ( small block) for a daily driver .Fuel economy Thinking of an automatic transmission so my wife can drive it,
Would it be necessary to add a Camaro ( year ? ) front end to do this ? Please direct me in the right direction to save time and $$$$ first time building a truck. I hope this is the correct area to post ?

Hy WP53, welcome, this question probably belongs in the High Performance forum. The V8 engine swap in that style of truck is not an easy one, because of the stock steering box location a V8 will not mount without doing something about relocating/replacing the stock steering column/box, a front clip being the most drastic way of accomplishing this task. There is also the rear axle to deal with as the stock one uses a torque tube style rear axle which will not be compatible with modern transmissions. Ask yourself if you really need the V8, or would a larger 6 cylinder do the trick. A 261 engine is the largest that can be made to bolt in, or you could install a more modern 250 or 292 which will allow the newest automatics to be installed, there are many ways and opinions on "hot rodding" these old trucks and I'm sure more ideas will be coming along, hope that helps.

Thanks for the Info . Will investigate 6 cyl will be a daily driver cheers

There are plenty of sixes being used for daily drivers. We even have a forum for them. Check it out.

Hidiy WP53- Teach your wife to drive a manual transmission. Like a 235 with a 3-speed on the column. That's what I'm going to do as soon as I put the engine back in my truck. The wife would have loved to learn back when it was running; there was just something about the overpowering-Rochester-leaking-gasoline smell that she turned her nose up at. That, and the quarter million rat turds under the seat.

Deals are out there on 235s if you're patient. I picked up a complete 1960 235 passenger car engine (with trans) for $150 a couple of weeks ago. Pictures if you're curious. It ran, but needs to be rebuilt. I just noticed you mentioned saving time & money & figured I'd share that info. I'm also partial to the inline sixes.

Time is impossible to save with these trucks unless you can hire all the work out; if you can do that, then money is no concern- for sure. It took me the better part of an afternoon just to get the grill off my truck. Anyways- good luck & share some pictures of the '51 when you can!

Brad

How about the Vortec 4200?

http://www.vortec4200.com/forum1/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1099

Look in the "Projects" section for more builds.

WOW very cool

My wife knows how to drive stick she won't . LOL

WP53- I have several choices of engines in my shop that with a little work I could put in my 1949. A 1990 350 chevy, a 354 chrys. Hemi, a 1953 Desoto Firedome hemi, a 235 1956 hyd. lifter 6 cyl. and last but not least a 216 orig to my truck, 6 cyl. I guess what I'm trying to say is the engine in my truck now is a 1955 235 6. It's hard for me to see the reason to change out the engine (again) to have more hp. The 235 will get you down the road at a pretty good clip. Only thing that holds you back is the rear gear ratio, which is easy to fix. Now, would I like to have a truck with a v8 power? You bet I would, but not as a daily driver. I've been for a ride in one with a 327 4-blb., automatic trans. It would make your knuckles turn white. Bad to the bone. Anyway good luck with your truck but don't overlook the 235. Steven