The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop V-8 swap

I have a 52 Chevy 3100 that I've owned for about 8 months now. I'm the third owner of it and the previous owner intstalled a 250 with a TH350 tranny. The rearend is out of a 72 half ton (12 bolt with what I believe is a 3.07 ratio). Everything elso is stock except for front disc brakes which I just finished installing. The kit was from Classic Performance Products.

My question is this: The old 250 is starting to smoke a little and I suspect the rear seal is going out because I see a lot of oil on my drip pan in the garage. Instead of spending money on rebuilding the 250 I've been thinking about putting in a small block v-8. How hard is it to put in a v-8 on these AD's. How well does it fit? For example will I run into problems with the stock steering box? Does the radiator need to be moved forward? etc. I see that Chevy duty sells bolt in motor and tranny mounts for v-8's
I plan on keeping the TH350 and using that with the V-8. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks ahead of time.

A V8 swap is certainly do-able, but there are some challenges. One is the steering and exhaust clearance, another is motor mounts, a third is getting the fan up to the radiator or shrouding it, etc.

All these problems are solvable. All ya need is $.

Given the relative ease of rebuilding, and mildly hopping up, that 250 6, I'd consider that if it was me...

George

I am putting a 350 into my 49 3/4 ton. All i got to say is just roll with the punches that it delivers. Chevy duty is certainly good but i would check the yards around you to get the parts you need. Also are you staying orginal or are there other mods going to happen?? :p

i have recently started the same project that you are thinking about with the mounts from chevy duty and there catalog ( witch can give alot of good ideals for alternate part sources if read properly) its not to bad the stock steering will absolutly have to go for a mid 70s 1/2 ton power set witch is better any way as far as exhaust i went with summits block hugger headers they fit nicely between the frame rails. happy hunting i hope to talk to you later