The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1945 chevy pickup would like a V8

Hey guys
What is a good car to use as a donor car?
I'm thinking of putting a V8 in my 1945 pick up.
and then also power steering and power brakes.
I would love to hear if you have ideas or experiences with that

Thanks.

Try the aluminum V8 from a Rover. It's almost a direct copy of the old 215 cubic inch Oldsmobile F-85 V8 from the mid-1960's, and it's much smaller and lighter than the usual Chevrolet small block that hotrodders on this side of the pond think is the only option.
Jerry

Anything but a small block Chevy.

I know of a guy who used a 69 chevy Malibu (spelling?) frame that was a direct fit for an AD truck. It actually looked really good! I am not sure all the dimensions for your 45, but it might be worth a look. It allowed for upgraded steering, handling, etc. The only issue that might come up was the bend in the frame by the axle. I am asking my buddy to send pictures that I will post on the website.

Chris

This is what I am planning to do except I actually have the Buick version. 315lbs complete......not every hot rodder thinks SBC every time, wanted to go for the "what is that?" factor.

It's shorter front to back IIRC (bore pitch 4.24"), but taller deck at 8.96" than Ford 289, etc.
The weight difference vs. the other small Buicks (300, 340, 350) is huge - but you're giving up 100+ hp.

Being far from all the specialty sources is going to present certain challenges. If you are a good fabricator with access to shop space and a wrecking yard for parts anything is doable. Steering and exhaust will be your biggest challenges. Good luck. 🛠

We have done maybe a half dozen and I don't recall it being a difficult swap. Here is a picture of the only one that kept the straight axle and it drives/rides good. It was done in the 90's and had the heck used out of it. 327/350/9" combo which is belly button but if you don't have a fat billfold and want parts from any store it is the way to go and this is from a guy that has always drove Ford's. Note the worn through bed liner on the running board and weathered bed boards. Still not bad for a 25 year old.

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/d7jxdWDH/Trigger-006.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/ZWFcDWZ0/Trigger-005.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/ppQzP3S6/Trigger-001.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/ykWxbtHR/Trigger-003.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/f3Mh6S9P/Trigger-013.jpg[/img]

I called Summit a while back researching a cam for my 292 project, the Tech Rep just came out and asked why I didn't just build an LS. Some people have no imagination.

Preach it Brother

I hate those LS engines too and the only time I use them is when I want 435hp, 25mpg, and 300,000 miles. Other than that they are junk.

I'm not looking for high output, just something to cruise around,150HP in the weakest form isn't too bad for that. If I wanted something cheap and high-output I'd build a small block, or big block, or use an LS, I have plenty of each (only 1 LS but..). I have this engine and always thought it would look good in one of these pickups with the lower hood sides removed. I could care less about impressing strangers. Also not bashing SBC, love that engine, just too common for almost everything, LS's are getting to be the same way.

My basic point is use what you want, Jay Zed is correct, plan on dishing out some $$$ for anything not common or popular.

Seriously - you guys are driving 47-54 Chevy pickups, undoubtedly the single most common hot rod truck that exists in the world, and you're worried about wanting your engine to be different than everyone else's?

We had a 64' Buick Skylark when I was a kid, it had the 215 in it neat little motor. About all I remember is the car would float if you tried to go through some deep puddle... As for engines I have always like the look of the 348 - 409, even Smokey Yunic said you couldn't make power with that engine though.

I am running my Babbitt baring 216 with pride. I have driven it over 3,000 miles this past year. I think I’m different enough and it is fun to see all the old guys smile when they hear the six. Not to mention, they are all shocked to hear it is a 216.

Drive it like you stole it!

Chris

You want different and some power, install a Ford 300 L6, that'll turn some heads LOL....

I ran an Astrovan full of tools & eqt for well over 100k miles powered by a 4.3 Votec V6 and it never lacked for power. I've always thought that engine and drivetrain combination would be a very capable powerplant for any antique project too.

Just did limited budget V8 conversion in my 49 GMC, 300HP 350, TH350 tranny and 80's model rear (unknown ratio at this time) and it gets 15 mpg, will run all day long on the interstates and starts and runs great hot or cold with it's AFB clone 4bbl, all in for under $900.
( granted I already had the tranny, driveshaft and rear so the majority was spent on the SBC). I'd have loved to have done an LS and plan to one day but I doubt one could do a 100% LS conversion for under $2000......

It all depends upon how deep your pockets are, LOL.
Good luck
Dave

I agree with Dave, depth of pockets is the key. Dodge viper would make a great donor car...
I had a 91 S10 years ago. 4.3 v6 and a 5 speed manual. Always thought that drivetrain would be great in a little hot rod. I shoulda kept it.

OP was looking for info/thoughts on a 45, my build is a 46.

thanks everyone for the ideas and the comment.
there are many different opinions
my chevrolet truck now has no engine.
then you think, am I going to look for an original 6 cylinder or am I going for a v8.
a v8 also needs a different gearbox and drive shaft and rear axle.
more power, so also better brakes and power steering.
I heard that the chassis of a chevrolet s10 is used for that.
it does not have to be a racing car, but just fine driving.
it is also not the intention to spend a lot of money on it.

Thanks Johan.

235 all the way. Nothing wrong with a straight-six. I have had one bored 30 over and keep up with most cars on the road within the posted speed limits.

It seems the small block vs LS debate lines can be drawn at a specific age demographic. One, older guys to whom computerized engine monitoring is mysterious and arcane, and two, younger guys who think carburetors are mysterious and arcane. In most cases, neither group knows much about the other side. I am an exception in that I'm familiar with both types of motors, and to keep things simple and inexpensive I chose a small block for my current build for the following reasons:

My old carbureted small block 4.3 in my DD is closing in on half a million miles with nary a head off, whereas I was constantly chasing "Check Engine" lights with my computer motor - which invariably demanded the services of a shop, a technician and a plethora of test equipment. Not to mention LS motors are U-G-L-Y. To improve the looks guys are dressing them up like - ironically - small blocks. I give it to you that LS motors are efficient, but with the complexity of sensors and wiring they're not nearly as reliable, foolproof or roadside repairable as a small block. One sensor out and the system shuts down, whereas with a SB it results in, "Hey, does it sound like it's running a little rough to you?"

I think I'm right in that age bracket too. I learned the EFI side of things going to school, carb side from my old man. I'm probably the youngest guy I know that can still rebuild and tune a Q-jet and have success. Even put injection on my 78 K10. People try to stay in their comfort zone. A lucky few of us are comfortable with both sides.

To the OP....seeing what you want (more power, better handling, brakes, etc) I would suggest finding a running S10 Standard cab long box with a 4.3...either carbed or injected. Seems to fit almost everything you are looking for with the least amount of mixing parts and expense. This method would require a set of fabrication skills to redo mounts and what not. www.code504.com has a kit you can purchase that contains all the needed mounts and such for a "bolt on" swap. With a good set of fabricating skills you can just watch their vid and see pretty much what you have to do.

So what are you comfortable with? Answer that and stay within or at the edge of your skillset and your pocket book can be your guide.

Just another thought for discussion sake -- OP is in Europe ... wanting something different than the usual .... LS versus SBC?? Avoid the scuffle altogether ... What about a diesel? Diesel conversions are cool, provide plenty of power (maybe not so great in the "zip" depart ...) and over there, the Europeans have been much more progressive with putting diesels in smaller trucks than we have to finding things like steering components and small trannies to go with them shouldn't be as big of an issue as here....

Personally, I think diesel conversions are cool. And I have no clue what an LS motor is.

Just FWIW ...

Happy wrenching.

John

I remember Dad's comment on Diesels- - - -'They're just like sex -- - - - -highly overrated and stinky!"

LOL!
Jerry

sigh ... Jerry Jerry Jerry Jerry .... Did he say similar things about electricity and metallic cartridges, too? I can see we're just going to have to hog tie you and drag you into the 21st Century, aren't we?

21st Century? Are you looking through your passenger side mirror? He ain't nowhere's near there yet. Middlish 20th century, maybe.
But then, we need guys like him. Bless his heart.

thanks big block man
that's just what i want to know, a website like code504
here they show what is possible.
and immediately an address to order the parts.

421,389,427,348,409,401,454,331,354,392,500 and many more all before a SBC!

Assuming adequate power and spares available, I give points to any visually distinctive engine, such as 1953-66 nailhead (up to 425"), Chrysler poly (up to 354"), Dodge/DeSoto/Chrysler 1951-58 Gen-1 hemi, 348/409, MEL, etc. with vintage intake manifolds.

Apparently you have twice the money to get half the power.

SBCs cost WAY less to build than anything you mentioned, and speed equipment is cheaper and more plentiful. But you will look good posing in the parking lot with your 331.

Apparently you have twice the money to get half the power.

SBCs cost WAY less to build than anything you mentioned, and speed equipment is cheaper and more plentiful. But you will look good posing in the parking lot with your 331. Lol, the extra weight of that boat anchor of a motor will be compensated by lightness in your wallet


There is more "visually distinctive" accessories and speed equipment for SBCs than any engine in existence. What, like THIS isn't distinctive enough for you?