The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Installing a 1967 250cid in a 1940 1/2 ton truck

Hi there,
I have a 250cid out of a 1967 Camaro that I would like to install in my 1940 1/2 ton truck. The truck has all the original drive train and it is in good shape, the engine is froze up and a buddy had this 250 in his garage. My question; What bell housing could I use to install this 67 250cid in my truck?
Thank you,

It would be much simpler to use a rebuilt '54 or later 235 or 261.
There are many things in the way of mating a 250 to a torque tube setup.
The biggest issue is how the clutch and brake pedals pivot on the 40 bellhousing. A 250 engine will not bolt up to a 40 bellhousing.
A 235 or 261 will bolt up to a 40 bellhousing.
A 250 is a fine engine, but you would have to ditch the 40 transmission and torque tube rear end. Then you would need to come up with custom crossmembers to support the 250 since it uses side mounts instead of front mounts and bellhousing mounts. Then you would need a more modern open rear axle and a drive shaft, and a more modern open drive transmission.

D - 52Carl isn't wrong when he says it would be probably "...much simpler..." to go with a 235 or 261. However, if you really want to pursue installing the 250, you might get some inspiration from fellow Bolter Joe H's 250 powered 1937 Chevy Pickup. His Gallery Page is probably pretty dated as I think he's done some further changes since it was posted, but it's food for thought for you.

I would suggest you search Stovebolt using this LINK to see what older posts you can find that discuss installing a 250 in the earlier truck chassis like your '40.

You may find that if you follow Joe's path, your conversation may need to move over to the HiPo Shop to take advantage of all the discussions and details involved with changing out more than just your engine.

Thank you gents very much, you both answered a lot of questions, now to decide which direction to go lol

The biggest issue is the length and the really low mounted water pump. Lenght effects the mechanical fan blade, and yes, the whole drivetrain will need replaced.