My husband has a 1930 1.5 ton. The local engine guru examined the original 194 and gave us the bad news: the head is cracked in 13--yes, unlucky THIRTEEN--places. He recommended swapping it for a '54-'62 235 so we have the benefits of a more modern engine. Our question: Will a 235 of this vintage bolt up to the bell housing without modification? If not, can it be modified to work with a newer engine? Can anyone recommend a good source for a RUNNING (I'm supposed to emphasize that) 235 that will work in our truck? Thanks!!!
Hy 1930MoneyPit, welcome, first let me say that my knowledge of that vintage is very limited. As far as I know the bellhousing bolt pattern for the 194/206 engines is not the same as the bellhousing bolt pattern for the 216/235/261. There may be bellhousings which will make the swap possible albeit with some modification, good luck with your project.
This swap is actually very common with Chevs of your years have a couple friends that have done it. Along with the 235 they used a 1938 passenger car bellhousing and trans (three on the floor) also a 3 speed truck trans from early 40s will bolt up. I have an article on this I can send to you, may take me some time to locate it in the files.
This swap is actually very common with Chevs of your years have a couple friends that have done it. Along with the 235 they used a 1938 passenger car bellhousing and trans (three on the floor) also a 3 speed truck trans from early 40s will bolt up. I have an article on this I can send to you, may take me some time to locate it in the files.
Is your trans. good? Another option would to use a 235 and an SM-420 trans, they come with torque drive driveshafts also if that is what your 1930 has.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
Is your trans. good? Another option would to use a 235 and an SM-420 trans, they come with torque drive driveshafts also if that is what your 1930 has.
Ed
He wants to keep the original transmission. I assume it's good, but I don't know how thoroughly he has tested it. It was in first gear when the previous owner fired it up very briefly, and then we found neutral. I'll have to check with him.
My '35 1.5T has a '48 216. I think the PO wanted things to look more original than in would than the more modern 235. If you do go to the 235, make certain you get a later shell bearing version so you get the advantage of the newer tech. The older babbit metal ones just don't hold up as well, a consideration only if you intend to drive much. 216s on the other hand, are dirt cheap, compared to a 235. My conversion uses a '46 bell housing, so the bolt pattern matches, and the clutch mounting (it's on the housing) remains the same. If you get the right bell housing, it should be easy regardless if you go 216 or 235.
OK, we have purchased a professionally rebuilt 1956 235. It does not match up to the bell housing. My husband would like to retain the original transmission if at all possible. Is there a combination of parts that will allow him to do this?
All that matters is the retainer diameter(easily resolved by boring out) trans shaft stickout(easily resolved with spacer or die grinder) or bolt pattern(drill and tap new hole in bellhousing or trans).
Use desired engine and existing trans.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
