The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 31 engine into a 29 1 1/2 ton?

Hi all, I've got a 29 Chevy 1.5 ton International that i'd like to put a 31 engine into. Have any of you done this before? I've got the 31 bell housing with the engine. It looks like I will need to change the transmission too (?). What other changes will I likely need to make? Thanks for sharing your expertise and experiences!

Who knows, however, it is always to use an engine/trans together if it came that way.

Ed

29Maybe,

Welcome to the Stovebolt

Your 1929 1-1/2 ton truck would be a model LQ (not a Model AC International car).

The transmission and bellhousings are different between 1929/30 and 31, so you need to use ALL '29 or ALL '31.

I've never done what your asking so you'll need to compare how the different year motor/trans mount to see if it will work...

Can I ask whats wrong with the '29 motor that you can't make it work?

Mike B

The original engine had a bad main bearing and cracked block. I was gifted a nicer already machined 31 block with bell housing.

I believe that the 31 bell housing and mounts will slip into the chassis without issue but the 29 4 speed transmission will obviously not mount to the 31 bell housing.

I don't know if a 1931 4 speed will solve my issue or if I'd need to continue changing bits and pieces back to the axel :-(

I am still contemplating working with the 29 block.

Whould be sad to see the '29 with a newer engine...that was the first year for the 6-cylinders and they made changes every year until the 216 came out in '37.

Bearing issues can be delt with and water jacket cracks can be fixed. The amount of time and money you spend putting the '31 engine in you might spend the same and keep the '29...worth looking into.

Have you talked to any of the guys at VCCA? Maybe place a block wanted ad there and see what turns up. The engine in the cars is the same as the trucks, so there's another source for help.

Mike B

Thanks Mike, I appreciate the feedback...most helpful. I've been wrestling with the same feelings and thoughts.

If you decide to not swap to the newer unit and no block comes quick enough I have the same truck as you and all my oem stuff is willing to relocate to a new home. I went a different route in my build and have an assortment of new and used engine parts as well my complete engine and all the original steering, suspension, 2 trannys. Good luck in whichever direction you head!

Thanks, I would be interested in discussing this further with you. I'm not sure if I've got PM feature activated yet since I'm still somewhat of a newbie here. Perhaps you could PM me regarding this when you are able. In the mean time I'll try and figure how to PM...

Sorry...got it...