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| | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 198 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 198 | Here's the question:
My '55 1st edition has a 261 (in place of the factory 235)coupled to a factory original Hydra-Matic 4-speed with fluid coupling versus torque converter. I am spelling this out so that no one thinks I am discussing a "modern" Hydramatic!
In 1956, the smallblock v-8 was available on the task force trucks, AND could be ordered with a "Hydra-matic". I was not positive that this was the "original" iron case Hydra-Matic like I have, so I checked the gear ratios in the 1956 shop manual. They are identical to mine, so I am THINKING this WAS indeed the original iron case HydraMatic and not one of the "new" automatics introduced around 1956.
IF this is true, shouldn't I be able to couple any smallbloack CHevy V8 to my Hydra-Matic? Or, did the early smallblocks have any wierd bellhousings or adaptors fore the automatic?
Jim G | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 395 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 395 | if it,s bolted to a 235 or 261 it willnot bolt to a V8...doc | | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 1,300 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 1,300 | The 6 cyl. hydra-matic actually has sort of an adapter plate between engine and trans. I know that there were some hydramatics in Oldlmobile, Pontiac, Rolls Royce, Cadillac, and others. I don't have any idea if a bellhousing is available for a modern smallblock bolt pattern. The other problem might be a flywheel that is actually front part of torrus housing as well as a starter. If you decide to do away with the trans for something more modern, I may be interested in picking up a spare hydramatic if it is for a torque tube driveshaft. Actually even the 261 if same circumstances you decide you need a more modern driveline.
Last edited by Greg_H; 01/15/2008 4:10 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 769 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 769 | If you can find the correct v8 hydro parts, it will work. I tried some time back to find a v8 hydro bell housing, but could not find one. You might try looking for one on the HAMB BB. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 198 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 198 | Greg H: My AD truck is a 55 1st edition, so it has the open Hotchkiss type drive from the factory.
Lonnie: So I am correct - the parts exist, but might be rare huh?
Jim G | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy JimGnitecki, I had a 57 Chev 1 ton p.u. with a V8 hydramatic dual range four speed transmission, You will need a V8 bellhousing, flywheel, possibly a torus cover, and possibly the the two fluid coupling elements, and a V8 hydramatic starter [ whose solenoid hangs almost upside down when installed] hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 198 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 198 | Hy JimGnitecki, I had a 57 Chev 1 ton p.u. with a V8 hydramatic dual range four speed transmission, You will need a V8 bellhousing, flywheel, possibly a torus cover, and possibly the the two fluid coupling elements, and a V8 hydramatic starter [ whose solenoid hangs almost upside down when installed] hope that helps. Wow, that helps! Thank-you, 3B.  Jim G | | |
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