The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Question about engines on Stovebolts and 50's passenger cars

It has been a long time and many hard roads and miles since I have been able to post in here, but I am back and ready to start moving things along!

Long story short, and I'll explain down the road... my project has now become TWO projects. I have a Stovebolt truck project AND a 53 passenger car that is about 60% finished but still a long way from completion. The car has a freshly rebuilt '59 or '60 261 with maybe 30 miles on it to get exhaust some time ago. I am wondering if that engine would not be a better fit for the TRUCK and if an engine like a 283 SBC (it will have a 700R4 behind it) would be better for the car. I am expecting width and steering column issues here, that is why I would not want to try wedging a 350 in there. The car has a modernized suspension and front end from "something" with modern power brakes etc. I have a LOT better chance of a crate V8 being out there than any six.The new 261 is obviously a fit for the truck which will have a granny-low SM420 stick. This car is way closer to the road than the truck is and needs to be moved forward, I will keep the 261 in the car if that is best, and be in the market for another good used 261 if I do that. What does this forum think I should do?

A 283 and a 350 is exactly the same size- - - - -and the PC Patrol will be around shortly to give you 40 lashes with a wet noodle for posting car stuff on a truck site. Where in north Alabama are you? I'm about 10 miles above the AL/TN state line near I-65.
Jerry

You are just above Ardmore, I am about 60 miles from you and I was hoping you would respond! I have got lots of thoughts and ideas (and maybe some stuff) that I want to run past you at some point. Do you have a shop? BTW this IS a truck question! I am aware that sixes are a tough pill to swallow on rebuilding which is why I am tempted to install the one I have in the truck and look at other options in the car.

My shop is a "work in progress"- - - - - -I keep buying equipment and core engines, and I keep running out of floor space! I just took delivery of a big cylinder head mill, and a rotary jet parts washer last week. Fortunately, I've got about 90 acres to hide my scrap iron! Stovebolt sixes are a lot of fun, but rebuilding parts are getting a bit scarce. They're over-engineered enough that with a little careful metal butchering, newer, more available parts can be adapted to make them a lot more user-friendly. I'm not a stovebolt purist- - - -I also play with modern V8s, flathead Ford engines, and even MOPARs! I've got an Excalibur roadster project in the mill that will be running an early 1960s Cadillac 390 engine and an independent rear suspension from a Toyota Supra.
Jerry

One option you might want to consider on that "not a truck" vehicle might be a Chevy V6/700R4 combination from a Chevy S-10 pickup. There are untold thousands of them around salvage yards and barn finds at dirt cheap prices, and there's a good supply of aftermarket bits and pieces for both the engine and transmission.
Jerry

Howdy! Um ... I'm here in Skyline... I'm not as much of an asset for you as Jerry, but I can help somewhat.

But you are in luck. Jerry has answers and more. I can hand both of you wrenches.

If you're available tomorrow, Jerry will be here and we'll be wrapping up my 261 head rebuild. Hopefully, Ole Charlie will drive back to the barn under his own power tomorrow afternoon!

By "here", where do you mean? I DO have to go up to Athens tomorrow for other business. If there is an address where I could meet someone, PM me and I could be there!

Check your private messages.
Jerry

Not sure what Jerry told you in the PM, but we called it for weather yesterday. We'll reconvene after the bad weather moves on and we get another opportunity.

I'll start a 3-way pm.