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| | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 14 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 14 | I just purchased a 58 Apache which has the stock 235 and 3 speed column shifter. The truck has not been messed with and is completely stock. I have a 283 out of a 64 Nova which I am rebuilding, and a Muncie M21.
1. Will the stock rearend hold up to this combination?
2. What bell housing will I need for this conversion?
3. Will the stock driveline work for this conversion?
I am not going to hotrod this truck. I am doing a disc brake up grade and steering column up grade, but I want to keep this build somewhat period correct, but safe to drive.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 14 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 14 | I guess my biggest concern right now is if I can use the stock V8 bell housing with the Muncie. I have the stock 6 cylinder housing, but I don't think it will work with this swap.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 436 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 436 | 235 bolt pattern is different from the SBC's. I would say a bell housing swap is needed. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 | You'll need a cast iron V8 bellhousing from a late 1950's truck, or one from a 63-up V8 or 6 cylinder pickup. The Muncie trans will be a bolt-on to that bellhousing, and the bellhousing will bolt in on the original crossmember of the 58. You'll need to use the 4-point engine mount setup, two mounts at the front of the 283, and the two that attach the bellhousing to the crossmember. The Muncie has an aluminum case, and it won't need an extra rear support at the extension housing unless you really intend to abuse it with a lot of full-throttle shifts. The same rear end was used with both 6 cylinder and v8 engines in 58, so if it's in good condition it should handle the 283 without any problems. You might not like the gear ratio, however. A lot of the folks who didn't grow up around engines that run above fast idle speed get a case of the vapors if they can actually hear the engine run. 283's love medium to high RPM, so let it wind up a little.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 14 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 14 | I appreciate your response. I should be able to find a bell housing. Will the after market cross member engine mount system work with this swap? They look much stronger than the front mount system that is currently on this truck. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 295 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 295 | What’s up Ron
I sent you a PM looking forward to hearing from you
Robert
Last edited by latroca52; 02/08/2019 3:01 PM.
This is no longer fun
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | The front crossmember type mounting is best if you are going to change the front accessory & pulley arraingment.
George
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | |
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