The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Searching for motor help

We just purchased a 1955 3100, 1st series. There is no motor, but she used to have a 6 cylinder, the 4-speed tranny is setting in the bed. The truck is in great shape overall. We would like to get some suggestions on where to go from here. Should I find a good six and install that, or should we upgrade to a V8.

We are leaning on finding a good six and tranny combo already to go and then install that.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kevin & Cindy

It depends on what you are going to do with the truck on a daily basis and how fast you need to travel. If you are just trying to have a nice daily driver for around town, I would simply put another 235 straight 6 back in. You could possibly attach the 4 speed tranny you already have and away you go. Keep in mind, the faster you want to go, the better the brakes need to be.

I'd suggest going with the 6-cylinder, but upgrading to a 250, or maybe a 292 if you can find one. There's nothing wrong with the original 235, but the later-model engine will be a little more reliable, and parts are more available. The 292 will require some motor mount modifications, and a diferent bellhousing and clutch linkage setup, but it will be an easier swap than a V-8. Ditto on the brake upgrade along the way! There are several options, but a disc brake front/drum brake rear setup with a dual-line master cylinder with a power booster will bring the brakes up to modern standards.
Jerry

Check in the Seguin area, I have heard of a JUNK,not salvage, yard over there that has a lot of old vehicles sitting out there. I want to say that the man's name is Don...not sure, will have to check and see if I can find out the name. But I would suggest looking there for a good motor to pull and rebuild. I would tend to agree with putting in a 235 or larger motor. I am in the process of rebuilding a 261 which is just a little stronger than the 235 and is a straight drop-in as opposed to having to make the minor modifications of putting in a 292. Good luck.

There are some good 235 engines in the swap
meet section. A lot of good engines are pulled
for v8 conversions. It,s a lot cheaper to use
one of these than trying to rebuild one & usually
better results.

I think everyone is right about the six, we just want a weekend driver that is reliable and fun to drive. I will work on the brakes, thats a good point.
I checked out the yard in Seguin, they have more old cars and trucks than I have ever seen. They are a bit expensive though. I went to get a fender for my 63 Chevy II and he wanted $300.00. I thought that was excessive. But if anyone needs a part, let me know, they have everything you can imagine. Does anyone live near Texas that has a good motor and Tranny?

To bad you are so far away, I have and know of nearly every engine mentioned so far. I have a '54 235 and a '66 292. Just met a guy about 20 miles from me with GMC inlines and V-6's. But that would be quite a long haul just for an old engine. There's going to be some in your area with what you want. I wouldn't go to a yard, they know what they got and price it accordingly. Look for a '54 to '66ish 3/4 ton truck or bigger parked in a private owners property, ask if it's for sale and start dealing. Usually you get the whole truck for the price of the part you want. I recently bought a rust free '54 1 1/2 ton Chevy that runs for a $150.00 and it ended up running pretty well.
Good luck,
Scott