The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop driveline on 52 chev 3100

I have finally found a great '52 5 window 3100 to restore. I am being advised locally to get rid of the 216 and swap it for a larger, more reliable 235. I have also been told to get rid of the enclosed drive shaft - and to get a new rear diff with gears that are higher than the stock 4.11. My questions are: 1) will these changes devalue my truck?, 2) If I swap out to a 235 - what years will match up to the old 52, and 3) can I keep my enclosed drive shaft - and rear-end - and put in a different rear-end ratio such as 3.55s? Thanks for any advice that you can give! :confused:

If the 216 is running good you would be crazy to swap out anything. If it is a mess than going with a 54 or newer 235 or 261 would be a great swap.

The same goes for your driveline IMO.

I cannot tell from your post how much work you need to do to your truck before you start driving. I would suggest doing some reading here and other places to familiarize yourself with the options..

Are you using the truck as a daliy driver or only on the weekends ? Do you need it to go 70 mph or will 50 mph do it for you ?

Tony has a point . If it ain't broke , don't fix it. On the other hand, if you need more than the stock drivetrain will offer, you need upgrades. Good Luck with whatever you decide..

I'll add two cents in this discussion:

Any deviation from the original truck, in today's market, generally speaking will devalue the truck and not increase it. Obviously if you take out a oil smoking, grease leakin' rod knockin engine and replace it with one in good condition this would be an exception.

Visit Hemmings Motor News and Trader Online websites and look at values. The big money trucks today are the ones that are stock original and the ones with conversion and custom stuff are not able to bring as much money.

This is generally speaking. The quality of work in either case (original or custom) plays a huge role in the final value.