The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Engine Swap??

I found out that my motor is shot...I have a 350 SBC from an '82 truck. I also have a bell housing that will bolt the 4 speed to the 350. Can I bolt the two together, simply. Or will I run into problems, I would like to drive it by the end of the month.

Hy N. Phillips, could you give us a bit more info please, year of truck, current engine would be helpful.

Sorry, I forgot-
It is a 1953 chevy 6500, 2 ton truck. It had a 216 with the SM420. I want to keep the SM420 because I just finished rebuilding the thing. I want to do is swap in the 350 and my friend is willing to give me the bell housing.

Hey N. Phillips,

What motor is in the truck and how did you find out it was shot? The belly button 350 can be installed with mucho modification (motor mounts and clearance issues to be resolved). Why not find another runner 216 or 235 and bolt it in?

Jon

Hy N Phillips, as Jon said the 350 can be installed, but it is a major job, by the way there is no bellhousing that allows the drop in of any v8 in that year chassis, they all have to be adapted. As Jon said a better choice would be a full presure lube 235 or 261, a much easier swap.

Get a bellhousing crossmember from a '54 or '55 1st same size truck, and then you can use a bellhousing from a '55 to 60-something V-8 powered truck.

You'll need to do something on the driver's side to make room for the steering and exhaust.

I've been told that a left side exhaust manifold from a 1955 or 56 smallblock will actually clear the steering box without mods;that might simplify at least one part of the project. For a front mount,there's a few options;aftermarket mounts,the 55-59 truck V-8 front mounts,the 60-?? truck V-8 "saddle" mount,or weld in a handmade crossmember and use side mounts.My choice would be the 60-?? saddle mount;it only has one pad to find a place to attach,right in the middle and just ahead ofthe face of the block. Throttle linkage can be a nightmare,or you can swap in a cable set up from a 70's up Chevy pick up. 3 screws to attach the pedal,a square hole in the firewall to plug the cable housing into,and a bracket on the intake manifold for the other end of the cable housing.
You'll need a truck V-8 starter too. Parts stores have 'em in stock. You might have to build a clutch rod too-no big deal.
None of this is too tough-just take one thing at a time,and work on it until you're satisfied with its operation and appearance. Before ya know it,it's done.
In all honesty though,another six would be easier to fit,and unless outright power is really important to you,a six will be a lot more satisfying.
Speed

Thanks you all, I really appreciate the advice. I think I am going to stick with the SBC because I'd like to use it more on the road than just on the farm. One other question is me brake issue, I need to redo them as well. Any advice there...

N. Phillips