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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 | Hello Everyone,
I'm currently in the gathering information phase of converting my 54' into a daliy driver. My expectations of the truck after the upgrades; can handle highway and city traffic. Pull a small boat 20' or less boat atleast once a month and haul trailer when need to up to 6Klbs. Currently the truck is very close to being stock, it has a 235 with SM420 with torque tube. All four drums. Everything runs currently, but the engine has a 6"-8" crack running horzintal just above the oil pan on the drivers side, leaks coolant sometimes, no water in the oil. My questions to the wisdom holding veteran stovebolters is this:
1. The engine will be a 350 Crate; what should I bolt up to it? 200/ 350 /400/ 700.. I want to go with AT.
2. I have 79' Nova Rear, which will have 3.73 or 3.90. Should I upgrade to Disc or build it back up to 9.5" Drum that came on the Nova?
FYI, I will be upgrading the front to disc with the 5 bolt to match the nova, with a new master cylinder. Thanks for reading and I greatly appreicate any adivce.
Last edited by ryanb790; 03/27/2015 6:50 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | 6Klbs trailer may be too heavy for the stock springs.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 | Carl,
Thanks for the tip. I will add new leaf springs to the list.
Patrick | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 | If your planning on pulling a trailer the disc brake conversion all the way around is the only way to go. Heaver springs and better shocks too. Anti sway bar for the rear also. The '79 Nova 3rd member will do just fine, easy to change gear ratios if needed. Have fun with your build.
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 | Martin,
Thank you for the insight, and encouragement.
Patrick
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 92 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 92 | Patrick,
Don't really chime in here often. I read, search this site, and just get answers. Don't think I'm a "qualified stovebolter" but here goes.
I own and daily ride a 53 1/2 ton. Rain, heat, snow, done it all for the last 2 years now. I will just tell you what I have learned.
I too had long cracked block. Was 216 which ran great. Leaked bad. Used jb weld with great success, but finally gave in to new 235.
55 hydraulic lifter motor, dual webers from T. Langdon, Williams headers, offy intake, dual exhaust, dual 2 chamber mufflers. Runs like a top.
Upgraded to T5 5 speed trans. Awesome upgrade as recommended here by so many. Wanted to keep original pedals and foot start. Upgraded to front discs, and new underfloor mount dual master and bracket. Drums rear, new brake lines throughout (a must). Still have ho 33 rear with 3.90's. Can do 55 super comfortably, 65 the whole way if need be.
A main concern is bump steer. I read about it here, and experienced the white knucke feel. You must get your alignment and front end parts set right. On a bumpy highway or backroad at higher speeds, you could have some serious issues. On that note, seat belts! Yes, I got them. Mounted two bucket seat from a Silverado with seat belts built in. I also have the headrests in case of getting rear ended. Not an original look, but I feel safer. Lots have done that here also.
Good headlights, brake lights a must. LEDs in the back are terrific. I also have nice bright white led backup lights hooked to t5 switch. Electric wipers, a must have. My vacuum wiper system works great, but I am going to scrap it. This week actually.
There's probably tons more, but I thought I would just say what I have been through.
Finally, why not go with a 235? I go.to many hot rod shows and get soo many comments on how cool it is to have kept the 6! Even young ones like it. My 56 is done with big block and I prefer this truck! Actually may finally sell the car.
With that 350, you really may want to go to a new front crossmember. Better ride quality, steering.
My buddy is almost done with his 53 with chassis engineering front end,350, ford rear, aluminum shaft. It's awesome!, but, the six is too!
Have fun, be safe, drive a little farther back than your normal abs equipped car.
My web site has some pics and videos of my truck if interested. Phil...
Phil
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 | Phil,
Thank you for the information. I've been doing a lot of research sent you wrote you post and I realized you are right! I'm going to keep the 235 and fix it up. I recently picked up an 86' S-10 T5. Again thank you again for the insight!
Thanks
Patrick | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | I will suggest a block that isn't cracked, preferably a 261. Add a 3/4 race cam from Patricks. Also a 3 row aluminum radiator with a big pusher fan.
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
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