The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Looking for '56 265 v8 crankshaft

A friend recently obtained this motor w/cast iron powerglide attached. Disassembly showed much wear all over and the crankshaft gone. The local machine shop is having trouble locating a crank. Any suggestions on where to look? - I FOUND ONE! THANKS TO ALL WHO OFFERED THEIR HELP.

Main journal dia = 2.2978-2.2988
Rod journal dia = 1.999-2.000
Stroke = 3.0 +/- .005
(according to 1955 truck shop manual)

I don't have a 1957 manual, so don't have 283 specs. Is 283 crank the same as 265 crank?

Post ad in Parts Wanted forum and see what pops up.

265 and 283 cranks interchange. There are usually bunches of them on Ebay.
Jerry

having trouble locating a crank

Find a shop that's been in business longer than a week, with an employee older than 19.

That is one of the most common ever made, and (unless there are seal etc. differences that I'm not aware of) the dimensions you posted are common to 265 & 283 engines with the small rod and main bearing journals (1955-67), millions of them.

However, you might soon find out that replacing the crank will cost more than simply buying a later SBC engine. Hint: unless you drive with the hood open, no one knows what the engine is.

Run, do not walk away from that machine shop. They obviously have never heard of a Hollander interchange manual or an AERA engine specifications manual. The title of "machinist" needs to be earned, not just bestowed by posting a sign in front of the shop!
Jerry

PM sent

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

I've been on ebay and all I see are later aftermarket cranks for 350's and strokers. Maybe my search engine criteria is too vague - or too specific.

My friend wants to bring his '56 back to original. already has a '78 350 in it hooked to a THM350 tranny. The 265 he picked up came with a cast iron Powerglide. The car is a rare 1 of 1 4dr Sport Sedan with factory air, not dealer add on. Original owner was a dealer owner and didn't want dealer add on A/C, so Chevrolet sent car over to Cadillac to have air installed at the factory. A/C vents are in the dash, not under dash. One of a kind.

Northern auto.com has reman cranks available with bearing kits. Part#18007, took about two minutes to locate. Take a look on your local Craigslist, in the Chicago area there are always multiple 283's and parts for sale.

Search Ebay for "283 crankshaft". There should be several listed. If the cylinders are badly worn or bored way oversize, the block can still be salvaged by sleeving them back to standard bore size. Pistons, connecting rods, and bearings are readily available, and just about any small block Chevy V8 camshaft will fit. A Comp Cams 252H cam is a very close match to original equipment, with no idle lope or other undesirable qualities.
Jerry

Just checked- - - - -there are at least 15 265/283 crankshafts listed on the first Ebay page I checked, both used and reground.
Jerry

Old rusty..Check your PM's

As I am a total computer nerd and not very familiar with all the ins and outs of this site, I assume PM means Private Message which, to me, means you sent something to my email inbox. I didn't find anything there, so how do I check my PM's? Sorry if I look like an idiot, but I kinda am when it comes to computers. I did find a crank from a machine shop in AZ recommended to me from a friend in MN.

Old rusty.....at the top of the page, center. you'll see "My Suff". Click the little upside down pointer and you'll get a drop down list. Click on "messages". That will take you to your private messages from other bolters. You'll see one from me concerning the crankshaft. Click on it and it'll open with my message to you. I also responded to your ad in the Parts Wanted forum about the crankshaft.

Simpler method- - - -click on the little envelope flashing at the top of the page- - - -it takes you directly to the PM page.
Jerry

I forgot about the flashing envelope..........laffinnn