| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,081 Posts1,056,069 Members48,434 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 |
| AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 5 | I recently purchased a 327 to put in my 55 2nd series truck. The straight 6 that is coming out is not the original motor and I wanted more power so I can get on the interstate. I purchased the motor mount kit from the Truck Shop. My questions are: will I be able to use my existing 3 speed transmission? Will the V8 mount up to the existing transmission? I assume I will need a new bell housing for the V8. If anyone has been thru this already please let me know your opinions. Thanks! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,098 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,098 | You will find lots of posts regarding this conversion on this site. It will require a V-8 bellhousing, flywheel, throttle linkage, exhaust system, radiator hoses, starter, etc. The rear mounts are the same, you can use the existing transmission and possibly the clutch depending on what flywheel you chose. Other wise there is nothing from the 235 that can be used on the V-8.
You will likely need a fan shroud as the V-8 is 5" shorter than the 6 cyl. If the current engine has a floor starter, you will
need a starter button or possibly another ignition switch.
There may be issues with the 2-3 shift linkage rods and the trans side cover if yours has the bellhousing pivot that was
used on 55-2 6 cyl trucks.
Fred
Last edited by rfs56trk; 12/31/2017 4:32 PM.
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | To eliminate exhaust manifold issues, use the cast iron Ram's Horn manifolds, they work great and clear the steering box. You'll need to find a V8 Truck Bell Housing as they have one large bolt on each side where the cars have two small bolts on each side. Also, pay attention to the bearing retainer hole size, I believe there are two different sizes... The throttle linkage is being reproduced and is easy to get. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 362 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 362 | I've done this conversion many times. Using the tried and true 283 and last time the 350. The cast bell housing from 60s and 70s pickup is easiest three bolt starter Rams horn manifold. Last truck I did I used set of headers from Summit instead of Rams horn header and it worked with more clearance to steering box. So check out Summit for the block hugger headers. They come off head and go straight down and in so plenty of clearance
58 gmc 100 with 350 sbc
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 |
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | |
|
|
| |
