The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 250 into a 59 1/2 tn.

Thinking about replacing my 261 with a 250. Anybody have a suggestion for motor mounts?

Why are you considering this swap? Sounds like a lot of fab work for a lesser engine to me.

I believe the 250 is the same as any V8, so any aftermarket side motor mount bracket should work.

Are you swapping the trans as well?

Mike B

I used mounts from www.heidts.com you're better off calling them. Neither catalog has the side mounts you want.

I've been driving it for 10 yrs with the 261, it runs fine. Seems like it is always dripping oil from somewhere and I'm just tired of trying to stop it. I have a 250 and a 283 that could go in it , already running a T5 world class 295 1st gear trans. Probably just a passing thought of someone with extra time on his hands.

I would install the 283 if you're going to start changing things. At least the 283 was an option for a '59 Apache back when new.

John

IF you go with the 250/T-5 I assume you will be installing a trans tail shaft mount/cross member as well and doing away with the bell housing mounts?

The 283 would be an easy swap...put the V8 mounts on the front cross member (available from all the vendors), find a TF V8 bell housing to retain the side mounts and get the V8 throttle linkage. That's about it...

Mike B

Mike B, The TF V 8 bell housing also mounts to the 250, So if I do that I will use that bell housing and a probably a tubular universal frame mount that uses the 250 center mounts. The T5 has no mount under it now and has been hanging out back there for probably 5,000 miles already without any problems, so I will just let it be like it is. The throttle linkage will probably become a cable.

Yes, the 250 has the same bell housing bolt pattern as the V8's.

I'm not the one to give advise on installing side motor mounts (V8 style) and leaving the bell housing as well...Chevrolet never did it that way, they kept the front mounts with the bell housing mounts. maybe someone else can jump in and advise it that's the correct way to do it or not.

With that said, the V8 swap would be way easier than the 250 swap...the V8 is 100% bolt in using factory provided holes!

Mike B

Mike, that's true, V 8 will fit right in. The bell housing mounts and the 230/250 side engine mounts were used by Chevy/ gmc in the 60's and early 70's. Had a couple of late 60's early 70's trucks with 230/250 side mounts, with the transmission just hanging outback. Never a problem.