The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 6 Volt starter/Bellhousing

I have a 53 1/2 ton that I have just pulled the motor and tranny out of and am preparing to install a 350 V-8 as well as the 4/3 speed tranny from a 73 1/2 ton donner truck that I bought. I am wondering if I can use the 53 starter, I would really like to stay with the foot opperated start, Will my 53 bellhousing fit in between my 350 and my 1973 mannual tranny?

Also the mannual tranny from the 73 has a L where the 1 should be on the shifter ball, is this a 3 speed with hgranny low or a 4 speed? is there a difference? I will get the #'s off the tranny after it has been cleaned it is still to dirty to read!
Well pulling 2 motors and trannies from 2 different trucks wiped me out this weekend, I need to go to work tomorrow so I can rest, thanks for any advice in advance. The oringinal 216 motor tranny and rear end will be in the swap meet section in the next few days! Zach

First question - answer NO

Second question - answer Possibly

You're better off to go automatic if you can. The clutch linkage is a tough one ... probably have to go to a hydraulically operated clutch. From what I get out of your post if I were you I'd do a lot of reading and asking a lot of questions ... swapping a Stovebolt engine to a small block is not a simple process.

You've got to consider;

Cooling,
Steering,
Suspension,
Braking,
Electrical (12v)
Clutch/Automatic cooling
Rearend
Right now you're probably looking at the remains of a torque tube drive train and it's gotta go hard to connect to and too low ratio usually 4:11

etc., etc., etc.

I'm 3/4 ways through the process and it requires a lot of questions and answers.

Trust me on this though - you're lucky to find this site early in the process ... lot of great advice ... some BS from a few members but not a lot. You'll see what I mean keep yer ears and eyes open and keep some BS preventer near by at all times. And be careful where you walk while in this shop.