The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Stock-appearing SBC swap in a '46?

So, I've been collecting parts to build a 235 for my '46, but the more I think about it the more I think I'll be disappointed. I'm putting the truck together to be something fairly usable, for going to auctions and gas engine shows mostly. As such I'd like it to be fairly capable in the hauling/towing department. Nothing too crazy, but something comparable to a heavy-1/2 ton pickup from the 70's+. The truck itself is getting a small period-correct flatbed. I've got a '59 truck rear axle with 3.90's and a '59 front axle (for the bendix brakes). I'm planning to stick with the stock '59 drums all around but run a power booster. My previous plan was for a '54 235 (full pressure from a p/g car), mildly built with a 2x2 intake, and a T-5 from an S10 for a reasonably steep first gear and still having an overdrive. I have pretty much all the parts to do it, including the engine and the trans, but re-examining my goals and the hp I can get from a reasonably built 235 I'm coming up short. I know a 235 would move the truck itself capably, but with a thousand pounds of payload or a small trailer I think I’ll be at a loss?

So that being said, what is involved in swapping a SBC into a ’41-’46 truck while keeping it stock-appearing? Either a 283 or more likely a mild 350 dressed up to look like a 283. I’ve found bits and pieces in other threads, but most guys seem to go the IFS route and I don’t want to do that. It looks like I can get a ’55-’59 V8 bellhousing which will work with the ’46 crossmember? Then I’ll either need to weld on a mount for my existing clutch/brake setup or more likely change to a firewall mount clutch/brake combo? If I run a T5 still, on a ’55-’59 bellhousing will I need a crossmember at the tailshaft of the transmission or can I get away with just the bellhousing? Also, are there any motormounts for a SBC that will bolt it up to the existing frame mounts? Looks like Chassis Engineering has some that bolt to the frame, but I’m guessing I’d still have to cut the originals off?

I have searched the other threads, but the search engine isn’t too great at differentiating “1946” and “350” so I get a lot of results, and none I’ve found so far are trying to keep a stock-appearing truck with a SBC. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Try the "search" just to the left of forum help in the menu above.

In "Keyword Search Terms", type: +1946 +350

That will give you posts with those terms in them.

Yes, that does work a bit better than the "Google" search off to the side. I found a couple threads that were similar enough to answer a few questions. Looks like the Chassis Engineering mounts that go on the frame (no crossmember) should work well, and I will probably remove the existing bellhousing crossmember and run one at the trans tailshaft instead.

I suppose the other question, before I talk myself totally out of the I6, is what honest performance could I expect from a reasonably built 235? Could I run the truck at 65/70 mph with a small trailer or an honest half-ton of payload? I get discouraged when I see sub-125hp numbers on built 235's. I just feel like I'll be disappointed dropping a couple grand into a nice 235 and wishing I had the performance of even a $500 junkyard 350...

Out of curiousity, has anyone actually tried using a Langdons transmission adapter to fit a SBC to a factory '46 bellhousing? There are several threads mentioning they think it'll work, but I found no one who's actually tried it?

don't underestimate the 235, it's a very good engine. Great low end torque. Even stock, it should be plenty for the use you're planning. I run one with a dual intake, split headers, M4F cam, and upgraded ignition as a daily driver. 70 mph+ with a load is no problem, and I've shown a few "hot" Mustang GTs my tailgate on several occasions.