The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 or blue flame six?

Hey guys,
I have a '50 1/2 ton 5 window thats in the process of restoration. I have the original 216...that needs a rebuild. I recently found a '58 blue flame six that's rebuilt for $500. Would this engine work in my truck (front motor mounts)? I'm hoping so because, according to my research, it would boost me from about 90 hp. to 140 hp. would it bolt to the original 3 spd. manual? thanks!

It looks like you have everything figured correctly already. The 1958 passenger car 235 should bolt right in, using the truck clutch (bell) housing and the 216 front motor-mount plate. I think that you could also drill your 1958's plate for attachment of the front motor mount.

Also, use your flywheel and clutch assembly, and your original 3-speed should bolt-up fine.

Maybe someone who has done the same thing will respond (and correct anything that I am wrong about).

Good luck,
Tim

Yes, it will work just fine and $ 500 is a great deal if it really has been rebuilt recently.

The 1958 will give you a lot more power. There are some issues about the water pump/fan placement that you should do a search on. It is good to research those things because depending on how you want to proceed, you may want the more modern setup on the pulleys if you want to go with an alternator.

FYI, if your truck is titled by the engine number, putting the later model engine in will leave your truck without the title number anywhere on it. If this is the case you will save any future owner a huge headache trying to title the truck by re-titling it yourself after the swap. Just contact your state DMV for their process in getting the new numbers on your title.

In the situation that Tiny mentions, try checking into getting it titled by the serial number on the ID plate on the A pillar. Some states go by that number anyway. That will eliminate the engine number issue.

Or stamp the old VIN on the 58 block!!!!!!!!

Hi guys,
thanks for the advice/info. I'll think I'll take a chance w/ the blue flame six. Re: the title....I'm in Michigan and I believe it is appropriate to title the vehicle w/ the VIN number on the inside of the door. I think...anyways:-) Thanks again!

It's easy to tell. Look at the number on your title & see if it matches your data plate. If not look on the boss behind the distributor. If it's on the boss (the engine number) you'll have some loose ends to tie up.

Just did the same thing on my '49. I bought a used '55 235 and reused the bell housing from the old engine. However, I used the flywheel and starter from the new engine and the larger (10") clutch kit.

From Tiny

Quote: "FYI, if your truck is titled by the engine number, putting the later model engine in will leave your truck without the title number anywhere on it. If this is the case you will save any future owner a huge headache trying to title the truck by re-titling it yourself after the swap. Just contact your state DMV for their process in getting the new numbers on your title."

This is great information. I'm going to run into this problem soon and was wondering what to do about it.

Glad I could help. If more people took the time to do that it would save a lot of future headaches.

Okay guys,
One more question re: the Blue Flame six in my '50 1/2 ton.....I ran the numbers on the engine and it's actually a '60 Blue Flame w/ 135 stock hp (out of an Impala). What are the chance of mating this engine w/ a 700R4? Is it possible? Do the bolt patterns match up? If not, is there a kit to convert it? Thanks in advance.