The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1958 chevy truck, need help

I have a 1958 chevy truck 270 inline 6.... manual transmission . i want to install a vintage 283 engine, what bell housing do i need ? or is there an adaptor. , where can i get it, i dont want to change my transmission

Hy lancer70, the bellhousing you need was available starting with the 1955B or second series that were V8 equipped, those were used up to 1959. the 1960 through 1962 trucks used a hydraulic clutch with the throwout arm coming out of the right side of the bellhousing. Beginning in 1963 and continuing to 1968 I believe the iron bellhousings had a larger opening for the throwout arm, but they will work for positioning the V8 engine in the 1955B through 1959 chassis. If your truck did not come from the factory with a V8, then you will need a front of engine mount kit, HP122 from Jim Carter will do that job. V8 throttle linkage will also be required Jim Carter has their part number HP142 which will do that. Hope that helps.

If you're running a 270 GMC engine, somebody has done some modifications already. There's no telling how much butchery to the front crossmember and radiator mount there has been. GMC's are a couple of inches longer than 235's, and the fan tries to hit the radiator, plus the front motor mount doesn't line up right.
Jerry

my mistake thruck is all original large in line 6 cylinder not a 270,ii dont know the size

It would really help if you would tell us exactly what your truck is. Model # and which transmission 3sp or 4sp. Big bolts are a different breed than small bolts. The more info you give the more precise the answers will be. Thanks

my truck is 1958 1/2 ton series 3100, big inline 6 cylinder, 3 speed manual transmission

What do you mean by “big inline 6 cylinder”? The original would have been a 235 ci which is by no stretch of the imagination considered “big”. Has someone changed it out to a 261 or 292? Post the numbers on the flat surface just behind the distributor. Thanks

ok the numbers on that flat surface is 2701017382

valve cover is GMC

casting number indicate its a GMC 270 in line 6 engine

Well that does help. Either someone shoehorned the 270 into a Chevy or someone hung Chevy sheet metal on a GMC chassis. Thank you for the update.

thank you for this information, im still not clear on what bellhousing will work with my truck, my clutch comes out the bell housing on drivers side, starter on passenger side of bellhousing, bell housing has flat flanges on bottom each side

A 283 will be a giant leap backwards in torque, and possibly horsepower as well. Do you have a 283 engine already? If not, I need to talk with you by PM. You'll still need the cast iron V8 bellhousing that was used from mid-year 1955 to 1961 or so, the one that was mentioned in a previous post. DO NOT dispose of that GMC engine!
Jerry

I just thought it would be better driving with a 283 , first gear is very low, current engine runs good just kind of loud, i thought 283 would be better, i dont think this engine has very much HP

Click on the flashing envelope at the upper right of the page, please!
Jerry

I have a 1957 Chevy/NAPCO truck that came with a 235, later I installed a 261. Then I went to a 283. I used a tubular under engine mount instead of the front engine mounts for the 283. I found the side mounting to be strong and easy to install. My next engine was a 348, and I was able to use the existing side mount with the 348. So for potential future engine installs, the side mounting may provide more flexibility. Also, I wanted the 283 at the time, because I "just wanted a 283." In retrospect the 283 was a great engine, but the low end torque was a little light for my application; My truck has 3:38 differentials and a 3 speed OD trans (I electronically split the gears so it is essentially a 6 speed). The low end grunt of the current 348 is strong. Since small block Chevy engines are about the same install-wise, you might consider a 327, 350, or 383. I think you might be happier with the power over a 283. Unless of course you "just want a 283."
don

You say you have flat bell housing mounts, but Chevrolet 55-59 used angled mounts. Has your bell housing cross member been replaced? Does everything look factory stock or have things been changed?

Have you confirmed if you have a Chevrolet or GMC frame? Chevrolet stamped the serial number on top of the frame left side above the front axle.

Mike B