The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop newbie questions on eng/trans swap, I'll take any suggestions you got

I'm pretty new to the world of old chevys, just got a hold of a 51 3100 with a 55 235 and a 3 on the tree, orig. torque tube, etc.

I also got a hold of a 350 and would like to build it up, and put a new tranny and rearend in it.

I haven't found much info on the engine swap, and was wondering if anyone had any info on what I'm guessing is a common swap. Any other comments and suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks

Hey, Newbie-welcome to The 'Bolt. You've found the greatest place out there on the web as far as info, tips, leads and most importantly, GREAT HELPFUL PEOPLE!!

Go to the "Tech Tips" tab on the header at the top of the page and click on it. Once you are transferred, click on "FAQ's" and scroll down to the "misc..." section. I'm sure you'll find this info helpful.

Of course, you'll have to swap out the rearend too, a good bet is a mid to late seventie's Camaro/Firebird unit, they're just about the right width. If you're swapping in some more power, front disc brakes would be a good idea. Here's a couple of vendor links to try for swap kits:

www.chevyduty.com

www.classicperform.com

Our site sponsor (American Classic Truck Parts) also offers conversion kits. To access their site, just click their banner at the top of the page.

You might want to consider ordering some catalogs from the aftermarket vendors to see what's available out there for parts to do the modifications you want. You might even find it helpful to build the truck "in your head" or on paper before you even pick up a wrench. Folks here sometimes razz me because I don't have a truck yet, but I know exactly how it's going to go together and what parts I'll need to build it when the time comes. A little forethought will save you some headaches down the road. Sorry about the long posting, but I hope it's helpful to you. If you have any other questions, just put 'em up-someone here will have an answer in a jiffy for ya.

Regards,
Wannabe

Newbie: Welcome aboard, these guys are gooood! For the 350 many books and mag. on that motor. Mine is rebuilt sitting on stand for a couple more years. Always had great luck with Summit Racing and Edelbrock, my motor has alot of Edelbrock on it, I like the just bolt it on stuff. As for trans. 350, 400, or the 700(I think has overdrive). Good luck and bring the questions on. popcorn The Truth is Out There (Read and dig)

It is a common swap, but is a fair amount of work, too. The old Chevys are narrow, weren't designed to take a V8, so things are tight. It can be done, though. Motor mount systems are different, so plan on drilling, cutting, maybe welding, etc.

The 350 will tear out that old torque tube rear end, so you are right to change everything. But that's more work and money.

Have you considered either hopping up the 235 or putting in a 250 or 292 six?

Cheers!
George

Hey Newbie,
I'm new to this too, but I think I've got some info that'll help you. 350 is a great engine and I think you'll be happy when you get it up and running. As far as transmissions go I think your best bet is either TH350 or TH400, and if you want overdrive then you should find either 200r4 or 700r4. The to sets are the same basic design but the r4's have overdrive. The 400 and 700 can handle more horsepower, but all of them should work well behind your 350. You can find them for sale rebuilt on the internet or find one and rebuild it yourself. I hope this helps, and anybody out there correct me if I'm wrong. Also be warned that it will cost a pretty penny to replace the entire drivetrain.

GrannyLow

If you put in a SBC you'll need a new steering setup to get around the wider engine. Check Tech Tips and do a search in this forum for the options available to you.

I put a 327 in a '51 back when I was 17 & fits just fine. Offset it about 3/4 inch to the right & use an 80's Camaro manifold on the left side. It exits at the rear and will clear the steering box. I kept the origional 4-speed trans & rear-end, and it held up fine despite torture the likes of which no truck should ever have to endure. (your 3-speed would be another story though) The motor was a dual 4-barrel Corvette motor, and I used to street race it. This truck would do 3rd-gear burnouts a block long.
darn, was I ever stupid....

If you're really esoteric, a Jaguar 4.2 works very nicely too. Fits easily, 265 HP, and it really should have been a truck motor in the first place, with all that low-end torque.

I've got a 54 3100 ... it's got an excellent combination of a 350 with a TH350 and a mid-70s 12-bolt rear end. At 70 mph I'm only turning 2000 rpm

The 350 is great for parts, etc. and fun to work with. Mine has a mild hydraulic cam, Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and Edelbrock Performer 600 cfm carb ... and it sure is a fun driver! You can see all the work I've done on it via my link (below my sig).

To put in a 350, an IFS will make it easier, you get the mounts and also have to move the steering column, which will be in your way. At the same time, find a differential from a Nova or one of the other GM cars from the same platform. It's the right width, and you will then have 5 bolt wheels all the way around. For a tranny I would suggest either a TH350 0r 700R4. This is all major surgery, and will take a while to get done.