The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk new owner 57 chevy

Hi guys,I just purchased a 57 chevy 1300(Canadian version of the 3100 so I m told).I did do some reading around the forum but still didn't find that "easy answer"if there even is. The truck is clean,was stripped down and san blasted,NO rust sweet deal. My question is what is the best donor chevy to use engine,tranny,rear end,front end.I have a connection in the salvage.Was thinking of getting a rolled dodge pick up with a HEMI but that just wouldn't be right. So best easy swap from a donor car/truck. I appreciate all your help.
Thanks,Marc In Canada

Welcome to the Stovebolt "club".

Where did you get the idea that any of that stuff needs to be changed?

Did it have a motor or tranny when you got it or was it long gone?

My opinion is,you really have 3 ways to go and by your comment ,you've wittled it down to two options.You can either go stock or Gm modified. If you go stock, all you need to do is find the parts.The easiest modification is to go small block GM.

yeah, what'sa matter with original?? there is no "best", just what's your preference, or maybe "easiest"

in a 57, which had the 265/283 optionally, any small block is an easy swap, and the original 3 speed bolts right up, or newer 3 speeds, like 68+ which have a syncro 1st - also the original or later OD 3 spd is a straight bolt in, and eliminates the "need" for "freeway gearing" in the rear - nothing wrong with the straight axle in front, and if you think you need better brakes there's easy ways to add front discs

anything is possible, but study the situation and see if you really need to make a bunch of spendy changes to something that works fine as designed

yes the CDN 1300 is the same as the US 3100, all the model designations were different, but the trucks were pretty much the same

Bill

Sorry,should of mentioned
The original EVERYTHING is gone,I would stay stock if it would of been all there.The last owner pulled and it's long gone

I just want to put it on the road,need it for computer/printer delivery.Celica too small.

I might be complicating my life here,looking for easiest,quickest,cheapeast way to put engine and drivetrain/rad/brake booster.

Since it sounds like you hauled it home in a box, here's my opinion:

I would say that dropping a Small Block (305 or even a 350) in would work fine, and be fairly easy, provided that it came with a V8. You can go with a variety of transmissions (e.g. SM420, T5, et cetera), but I'd stick with a Chevy rear from that time period. It'd just be easier to put in, and if you grab a 1/2 ton axle, you'll have the right sized brakes and everything!

If it came with an I6, then I'd go with a 235 or a 261, just because it'd be an easy swap and I'm lazy. You can use a variety of transmissions on these engines, too.

Since there IS no brake system or front axle, you'd need to find those, too. Again, I'd stick with a Chevy Setup from the same time period for ease of installation. If you're worried about stopping power, the drums work fine so long as you're not hotdogging -- which it sounds like you won't be. There are disc kits available, but if the donor truck doesn't have a hydrovac (or other brake booster) then it will be harder to brake with discs than with the original drums.