The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Replacing 235 with 265 V8

The 235 in my 56 smokes a bit at lights - but otherwise runs just fine. I have an opportunity to buy a rebuilt 265 V8 and I was searching for something similar to go by to make the conversion, and see what problems may result or changes this might require. Anybody recall a V8 conversion thread like this. Just need some insight or help in locating.

Dale

It was probably my thread on my own V8 conversion. But mine is an AD truck, which has a tighter engine bay. Your '56 had a V8 option when new, didn't it? So it's probably an easier conversion. You'll have to get V8-style motor mounts in it though.

Should be a "no brainier". I haven't seen anyone subscribing here that was attempting this. Do a search here and see what you find.

You'll need to get ahold of a V8 bellhousing, V8 throttle linkage, and the V8 front mounts. The linkage and front mounts are available new in the aftermarket, but the bellhousing will have to be used. You might check out the salvage yards for a '55-'59 LCF truck, they came std with V8s. You'll also need to add a shroud to the rad so it will pull sufficient air to cool the engine. Also, be aware, the '55 version of the 265 does not have an oil filter, where '56-'57 do. They also have a quirk with the rear cam bushing. The rear cam has to have an oil groove in it or else the engine will not oil the rockers correctly. Just something to keep in mind if you need to overhaul it.

The bellhousing you need was used at least through 66, which more than doubles years of donor vehicles. I did a conversion on a 57 I had a few years ago, it's very straight forward.

Devin

If you can't find one, PM me. I know a guy in Denver that has several of those, and I'm sure he can send you one.

Thanks everybody. I kind of thought it might not be too difficult, even for me, since as it was pointed out the V8 was an option in 56. But what I didn't know was what specifically would need to change. I have asked for pictures of the 265 so I can see what all is there and what is not there. Haven't received them yet. I understand it does have the oil filter and the engine has been rebuilt. Not sure yet if it has a bell housing so Hot Rod Dad thank you, I am keeping your post in mind. You have all been very helpful and I will post the changeover if I decide to go ahead.
Dale
p.s. I did do several searches and came up blank on this specific swap, so that's why I asked for some help. The fellow who has the 265 had it rebuilt for his 56 and then decided to go with a 283 he came upon instead, so its been setting a while.

I did this on a 55 2nd series , just my two cents, but I had to change the tranmission side plate and find the shift rods for a v-8 and change one of the shift arms on the column to one with a dog-leg to clear the exhaust manifold. I found the shift rods in the used department at American Classic Truck parts The shift arm you can buy new and I found the transmission side plate on e-bay. Just thought this might help

That shouldn't be necessary on a '56, they had changed over to using the same linkage on both 6 and 8 in '56. '55 1st is the odd critter in that respect.

I don't want to discourage you, but I have to ask why you're wanting to do this swap. Yes, it will all bolt in, but you're only gaining 30 cubic inches. Not much. The HP and Torque on a stock 265 isn't all that great either. You could easily build and dress a 400 small block to look stock, and build a bunch more power. It would likely only be noticeable to those with a good eye. The long stroke of the 400 with the bigger bore would make for a tremendous difference, much more worth the effort.

Just a thought,

Devin

I agree with Devin. However with gas near $4 a gallon I would go with a 350. Parts are cheap, it'll fit, and with the reduced work of not having to do a lot of fabrication you could hassle with a EFI which would help your gas mileage.
But if your goal is to keep it stock go for it Buddy!

I also agree about going with a 350... The 265 IS a V8, but only because it has 8 cylinders in a 90 degree configuration. The bigger I6s most likely have more bottom end torque than that engine does, so if you're looking for an easy bolt-in that will help you, probably better off going that way. I would suggest doing some research on different Chev V8s to see what years/casting number blocks/heads would do you well without too much money involved, if you're going to go the swap route.

Another not-so-high point of the 265 is that there's next to nothing out there to hop it up if/when you find out that it's sluggish, and what IS out there is expensive.

Just my opinion, but I also think it would be cool to see a 265, as the smallest I've ever seen is a 283.

Tony

Again, thanks for all the great thoughts - and the suggestions. I too have wondered at the wisdom of a swapping that appears so minimal e.g. a 265 for a 235. My rationale (though maybe a bit flawed) is to stay close to original, the 265 was an option in 56 and the buyer could have gone either way. The truck including the 235 is all original, I just like the feel and sound of a V8 better for some reason, and this is a 56 265 that I am looking at. I have to admit though I really like the strength and reliability of the 283, and I have two 350s now (Tahoe and Silverado) and they are tough to beat. I'm still waiting for pictures of the 265, so no decision yet, but originality would be my main reason for looking in this direction. Seems these vintage 265s are a little hard to find too, so I'm sure parts can get to be a headache at some point as well. One more thought, I'm hearing if I just keep the 235 and do a rebuild on just the head, the lower end, not being rebuilt, can suffer. Any validity to that does anyone know? Or should that be a whole different topic. Thanks again,

Dale

hello to all im currently doing a sawp of this nature on one of my trucks im taking out the original 1957 235 engine and im droping in a somewhat built 350 chevy engine it has 400 hp with a 5/16th crane cam . and what i see of it swapping isnt or dont seam to look so hard sence on the task force trucks you have alot of room in the frame i just hope it goes to gether smoothly i found all the parts at local salvage yards the v8 bell housing and v8 flyweel for the 350 and for the way im going to mount it is the engine conversion cross member that car and truck shop offers that you bolt in for 45.00 im going to do my mounting that way . is that a good way to go is get that kind of mount ???? i dont like the looks of the front mounts they call it plus there expensive.

Cameo- A 283 was a 265 with a bigger bore. There is much that interchanges in the small block line. The only parts I can think of that are specific to the 265 are the pistons, as far as replacement parts. Pistons should be available, but cost quite a bit more than a set would for a 350.

It is quite common in the repair buisness to rebuild or repair a cylinder head and leave the bottom end alone as long as it is in OK condition.

51- I am assuming here that you are contemplating swapping the 235 out of a 51 truck. If that is the case, you're looking at an entirely different game. Trucks earlier than Second series 55 never had a V8 option, and the frames are narrow in the front. With stock suspension, they just don't fit well. It canbe done, I have seen it done, but there is always a compromise. You might want to do a search on the subject to get others' opinions.

Devin

For '55 and '56, the cam is specific to the 265. It has a groove in the rear journal to allow for oil flow to the lifter galleries. In '57, the changed that to a drilled pasage in the block. The later cams do not interchange with early 265. Odd thing is that GM did the exact same thing when the 396 came out in '65, also the '66 was the same way.