The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Will a T5 fit on a Powerglide 235

My head is spinning looking at all the options and threads regarding swapping out my 216 original engine in my '46 3/4 ton stakebed. I've been told that a "later" model 235 with "full pressure" oil system is the way to go. It appears that starting in '53 235s with Powerglide had this "full pressure" system (although some people seem to say that only '54 and later are that way). So since I would like to put a T5 in the truck and a 3.73 14 bolt full floater rear end, I've been trying to find out if there is any difference in the bellhousing for the t5. My truck has the original 3 speed trans so would that bell housing fit onto the Powerglide 235 to allow bolting the T5? As John Travolta used to say "I'm so confused!!"

Joe

You are in good shape Vinnie Barbarino! The full pressure '53 235/Powerglide engine will work with a 216 bellhousing and a T5. I have that setup in my '50. The only odd thing is that the '53 crankshaft was not drilled for the stock pilot bearing. You will need to either have it drilled to the stock size, or locate a pilot bearing which fits the smaller hole in the '53 crankshaft. Dorman actually makes one for this application. Hopefully someone in here can provide you with the part number.