The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop sis to six swap, '74 into '51

Has anyone put a '74 six into a '51 Chevy Styleline Deluxe? I have a rough bodied '74 truck with a good motor and a nice '51 Styleline with a tired 216 in it. I want to combine the two, engine, tranny, rear end, etc. Just looking the motor mounts are all different, can anyone help with this swap?
Trapper

We put a 77 250 cubic in six into a 1949 Chevy wagon, which motor compartment wise is about a spittin image of your car.
There are after market engine and transmission mounts available for such as swap. However, it would be much easier to stay with a 235 engine or something similiar. There would be much less to modify. For instance, the 250 engine is longer than your present 216. This in our case required us to have to move the radiator forward from it's stock location.
Moving the radiator forward from it's stock location, necessitated cutting part of the hood brace out to clear the radiator, in order to close the hood, because that is precisely where the hood starts sloping downward to meet the grill. We also used the 77 automatic transmission. Linkage needed modifying, and a different transmission cross member needed to be employed.
I'm not trying to discourage you, because we have had a lot of fun and learning with our project, however, you need to access your particular situation. Do you have the tools necessary to make modifications? And do you want to make the modifications?
It's a lot of trial and error. You really need to think things through, measure twice, cut once theory. When you move one thing, what else does that effect, etc etc.
Things have a way of snowballing.
Hope this helps a little. If you want to email me for more particulars on the project we did, feel free and good luck.

In high school, a buddy had a 1940 Chevy sedan with a 250 retrofit.

Never saw under the hood, but it shure looked and sounded stock from the outside.

Don't know what they had to do to make it work.

Adding to what Buckeye said, if you use an electric fan you shouldn't have to move the radiator. The 250 is a darn good engine, but the 235 is far easier to install.

Thanks guys, already have an electric fan in front of the radiator, already 12 volts. Just have this engine, tranny, etc., whole truck and know the history on it. On the 216 I have an Offy two carb manifold and Fenton headers, and electronic ignition, would like to keep these. Have access to full machine shop and am thinking of a billet type adaptor plate, 1 inch or so, to try and match these old parts up to the new engine. Anything like this ever been tried before.I know I need to do a lot of measuring and will have to recess some allen bolts in this plate but also know it can be done. Problem I foresee is a stud or bolt hitting in the middle of a port, etc. Ports will have to be drilled at an angle but it can be done. Would also like to use the 216 valve cover. Try to hide the swap from the casual observer. Any thoughts appreciated.

Your 216 valve cover is wider than the 250, it won't fit. As for the manifolds, I would get some for the 250. They will flow far better, and you won't have to kill yourself making them fit. The 216 distributor will not work in the 250, shaft isn't long enough.

I know the 216 VC is wider, and if it's longer so much the better. I'll make a billet plate to attach to head with 250 gasket and a 216 gasket to attach the VC to the plate. If it's shorter, I'm in trouble.