The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 41 GMC engine choices

From all appearences and what you folks tell me, it seems there is a chevy 216 in the 41 GMC I'm looking at. My question is: what mods were done to fit it in and what engines would fit in there easily now. The current engine runs but smokes so I was looking at a replacement. Would it be best to go back to a 228 if one could be found? I figure that a 235 would drop in if a 216 is there now. Dave

I believe the Canadian built GMC trucks in '41 had the Chevy engine, so the 216 may be original. Pretty much any of the early Chevy or GMC 6-cylinder engines will fit without much problem.

The GMC engines are about 1½" longer than a 235. I don't know if a 216 is the same length as a 235. I know Canadian AD trucks came with Chevy engines and alkay3 is probably right about the '41s also.

Look at the front cross member mount area to see if it looks modified. If a Chevy engine is in a US GMC, there's some modification in that area.

Oh, by the way, if you have room for it, go for a GMC engine. In fact, If you have to make room for it, go for a GMC engine. Preferably a 270 or 302.

Will the 270 and 302 bolt up to what I have without a lot of hassle? Dave

Homer52,
Lets start with the serial number to identify the truck as American or Canadian. If it is American the 270-302 will bolt right in. If your truck is Canadian, you would have to move the radiator forward. Either way it should be a pretty basic swap. Since you have a 216 that is possibly original in there, you could easily swap a 235 or a 261. there is a trick with the water pump, to make it work.

Good Luck.
John

P.S. I'm with Cletis on the 270 or 302. I am putting a souped up Jimmy Motor in my 1940 GMC 3/4 ton.

Well I got more information last night, the truck owner is very helpful. The model number is CC101 and the serial number is 15232. The oil pressure range is 0-80 which makes me believe that it is not a Canadian built truck(just guessing). What ja think I'm looking at. Dave

I just tried downloading some pictues to webshots with no results, I'll try again. Dave

I believe the serial number is American... although I am not sure. As said before, you could put any 216, 235, or 261 in there with little or no modification, or any 228, 248, 270, or 302 with little or no modification. Find an engine that makes sense financially. I personally would try to find a 270 or 302, but a 235 high pressure or 261 are also good choices. the 216 is a step backwards in the old gmc.

Homer,
Try "Uploading" photos to webshots!

Here is a picture, I hope. Dave [img]http://http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2749362080101947398ViCpo[/img]

Pictures web page

Hi Dave.

The engine in your truck currently does look like a Chevy 216.

The GMC 228, 248, 270 engines will be a easy bolt in option for you. The only hard part will be moving the front frame engine crossmember forward. You will have to drill through the rivits and slide it forward. Afterwards you can go back with grade 5 or grade 8 bolts to secure the crossmember.

A GMC 302 is not as easy to "drop" in as a GMC 228, 248, or 270. If you wind up with a military version GMC 302 you will be in for a hard road to convert it, but it can be done and many have done so.

What are your intentions for the truck? Are you looking for a mean vintage hot rod? If so go with the chevy 261 or the 302. But don't forgot all of that extra horsepower will do you no good with stock gears in the rear end.

If your looking to "cruise" the truck and stay mostly stock go with a nice used Chevy 235 or a GMC 228. If you must then have one rebuilt. Even with the Chevy 235 or the GMC 228 it will be plenty of power and torque for a stock built truck.

There is a saying from an old truck friend Rob English that I think everyone should follow when starting a restoration of any kind. Work in this order; Steering, Stopping, and going. Without good safe steering, and nice safe brakes the best engine in the world is useless when one of the other components fail you on the first test drive.

I say get the brakes and steering in good order, and fire up that ol' 216 and drive the truck. Heck you might even be happy with the chevy 216 and you could use your money on other repairs like body work ect.

Homer,
That is a great looking truck. That body looks real solid and workable!

Homer, nice truck and nice project. Its incredible that the glass lenses are still intact in the park lamp assemblies. Good luck and keep us updated.

Don

Do you guys think that the bed is correct for this truck, I'm looking at the top, it seems that it is squared off instead of round, could that be correct. How about the rear fenders, they look more like advanced design that art deco to me. Dave

Any idea what you think it might be worth? The guy is selling parts to go with it to rod it, which I don't want to do. He has a 327 with 350 trans which needs rebuilt, new highrise manifold with new 750 Holley(I think) and 2 new in box camshafts for it. Doesn't want to split the package but he said he would talk. Dave

CC is an 1941 American GMC. The original front crossmember would be set up for a GMC engine. Someone has made some modifications to fit the Chevy engine. Inspect the front engine mounts to see what was done.