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| | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 12 | I have a pretty much stock 1952 Chevy 3100 with a three on the tree. I upgraded my rear axle years ago to a 373 but am still having a hard time going much more than 50 for long periods. This really limits where i can take the truck and the interstate highway is not really an option anymore with all the knuckleheads out there. I would like to keep the three speed but am wondering what folks have done with this configuration to improve drive ability? I have heard a little bit about using the patrick's 356 but am not sure if that would fit my application as i don't have the original torque tube. I would like to hear what folks have used for a donar rear axle, the gear ratio, and how that has worked for you in terms of ability to drive the truck at highway speed with an inline six. Any ideas or thoughts would be very much appreciated.
I am currently running a 216 in the truck but that engine is getting pretty tired and leaking everywhere. I did pickup a very freshly rebuilt 235 out of a 1955 chevy bel air and the owner was going the v8 route with the car. However, I am struggling a bit with motor mount issues as there appear to be considerable differences between the motor mounts for a 1955 chevy car and my 1952 chevy truck. The motor mounts are totally different and i don't know if anyone produces a generic set of motor mounts that would fit this application?
Olympia, WA
chevy52
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | That motor will bolt right in, just use the front mount of your 216 and remove the side mounts on the 235
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy chevy52, could you please tell us what rear axle you "upgraded" to? As to the engine, if your newly acquired 235 does not have the front mount plate on it, then you could swap the one over from your 216 when you are ready to make the engine swap and then the engine should bolt right in using the parts from the 216, hope that helps | | | | | Joined: Jan 2017 Posts: 308 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2017 Posts: 308 | My 49-3100 came with a 1954 235.. Got 2 new ME218 and ME216 for front from Jim Carter. The 235 was never rebuilt prior to December 2017--It purrs..Now--Good Luck Bill | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,235 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,235 | I am currently running a 216 with 3 speed. We just upgraded my rear axle to 3.55. I am running about 2800 rpms at 67mph. Find someone who is upgrading to an open drivelind and pick up their used gears. Just a thought since that is what I did. Runs great at 65!
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