The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 54 Chevy Pickup- Engine Replacement

I have a 54 chevy in good condition..with the original engine..... I use the truck on weekends to get around town and was considering replacing the engine with something a bit newer...... Looking more for reliability, not really a purist, just really want to drive the truck regularly.

I'm not a mechanic so I'll have to search one out.. Is there a remanufactured engine that anyone would recommend....? I want to maintain the shift (floor).... Do I have to consider updating to 12 Volts........?
Any idea's of rough parts/labor cost....? Does there have to be much modification to accomodate a newer 6cyl?

Thanks,

I'd suggest you start by looking for a shop that will do a swap, make it clear to them what you want to achive, and then consider seriously the motor they recommend. And bring that recommendation back here for critique.

I suggest that approach because I feel the success of a swap depends a lot on who does it, and choosing your mechanic in this case is your toughest problem.

If the engine just needs to be freshioned up & you have a good shop you have confidence in I would do a minor o-haul.If not I would pull it & send it to a rebuilder like Jaspers & have it remanufactured. Changing to a more modern engine can be very expensive to have done & the results are not always satisfactory unless you can do it yourself. Going to 12 volts is a good idea for a driver.

How much do you want to spend?

A 235 engine can be a very reliable engine (1954-1962). Is your engine giving you troubles? What sort of reliability problems are you having?

The original 6v starting systems can be just as good as 12v starting systems, if you have large enough battery cables, good grounds, and a good starter.

Another consideration besides those listed above is the title. Your truck is pre '55 so it may have been titled using the engine number. If that is the case & you change the engine you won't have the "vin" that is on your title anywhere on your truck. I'm not saying don't do it but be aware that you may have issues later on especially if you want to sell it.

Recently purchased 250 6-cylinder Chevy engine, number next to distributor reads FO522TAB. What do I have? Year? Truck or car engine?

just remember that the engine you have as been a reliable engine in the days when people were not as concerned about maintenance i have seen some that have over 90,000 miles with out a oil change just added when need and also no filter. just freshen it, is. i have the original one in my 54 and drove it daily for 20 years back and forth for work. drove it yesterday and a guy asked me i was on the way to a show, i said no just running errands. ron