The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 46 1/2 ton motor swap

my '46 1/2 ton has a '50 (HAA) 216 that is shot. bottom end is froze, as well as the orig 3 spd tranny. i want to upgrade to a pressure oiled 235 (or a 261) and a 4 speed. what is the latest year that would be a direct bolt in replacement and still keep the torque tube?
i would call the 216 rebuildable but can not comment on the viability of any part of the engine. if any one is interested in purchasing the motor for a rebuild or parts, let me know and i will email some pics to you. located in northeast philly, pa

I belive 1962 was the last year for the 235 I put one a '52 several years ago.
Cleon

Also contact Patrick's Antique Auto in Casa Grande, AZ and get their catalog. Has all the info you need to swap a 235 into your old truck plus lots of good parts. Call 520 836-1117
www.patricksantiquecars.com

Definately a 235 or 261 would bolt right in.

On the 4 speed, you could go with an SM420. They were used all the way up until 1966 and even into the 80's in some of the bigger trucks and military rigs. They came with both options, open or closed driveline, so all you need to do is find the adapter and yoke for the closed driveline and your set.

Jeff

Any 216, 235, 261, or 228-302 inline 6 could be used and ran with your torque tube rear end. The chevy motors would fit back in a little bit better than the gmc motors. You will have to use the original bellhousing that is in the truck now to continue using the transmission and torque tube rear.

I swapped my 216 motor to 235 recently in a 1952 truck, I was told that upto 62 all the motor mounts were same, you have to use original flywheel, bellhousing, clutch and starting gear so it bolts right on. In the Patricks website they have put some additional information from pre 50 but not that hard.

I am using my original transmission and truck is running like a champ

Good Luck

Ganesh

About the transmissions... just realized you have a 3 speed. That is probably a better transmission than the 4 speed crash transmission. The 46 bell housing has a different transmission bolt pattern than the later bellhousings. That limits your choices to an original 3 speed, or an original 4 speed. If you lose the torque tube you will have a few more choices for transmissions.

Don't forget about the brake and clutch pedals that bolt to the bellhousing. 47 and later bellhousings do not have the mounting boss for the brake and clutch pedals.

John

Now I didnt read that right... I was already thinking 1950 from the 216, so I must have thought 1950 transmission also. As stated above if its the original transmission from 1946, that requires you use a newer bellhousing as the transmission bolt pattern is different. That will also require some clutch linkage modification.

Jeff

What did you all do about the footswitch starter? did you keep it?

Bre,
There is no reason to s-can the foot starter swapping out a 216 for a 235 or 261. The 6 volt and 12 volt starters will interchange as far as mounting goes. You just need to use the starter that is correct for the ring gear on the flywheel.

To make the swap as eazy as possible you would use the bellhousing that is original to the chassis. use the flywheel that came with the new engine, and match a clutch to the new flywheel. Also use the starter that came with the new engine, and you are all good to go.

What part of SF are you in? Contact me if you are looking for parts or info.

John

to continue on the foot starter subject, i want to try and keep mine in the truck. when did they eliminate them and go to the turn key system? if i am thinking correctly, when the new engine shows w/ the flywheel, i can swap the engagement gear(ring gear) from the new starter to my old foot starter and the foot starter should work out??? remember i said IF i am thinking.