The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 to 350 swap

Yes, Ive finally tired of the 216 in my 51 sedan, and my brother-in-law is parting out a 82 full size chevy truck with full engine/transmission/power steering/ any accessories I need.

The only problem: I have a fairly constricted bank account and im looking for some advice on how to do this right and cheaply. Theres plenty of space for the 350, but im sure everyone that's tried this has ran into problems, and I was looking for pointers.

Any and all advice is appreciated


I know about some of the necessary changes: 12v lights, voltage reducers, 3.?? gear ratio in rear.

-Brad
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I've seen and heard alot of things about stuffin' a 350 in old chevy cars and trucks.. and it usually ends up in cutting and welding.

At the very least, they say the 350 engine is longer, so you have to move the radiator forward.. and i've heard the 216 radiator isnt big enough to cool a 350, so you gotta use the 350 radiator.

If I ever get a old truck or car and decide it needs a 350, i'd go the full monte, and get a later model GM car or truck and just swap bodies.. that way you get the disk brakes, the suspension, air conditioning, and all the other perks assoicated with a later model vehicle.

Have a look in the TechTips section of this website.. there is at least one article regarding putting a V8 in an old truck.. not sure how much of it would pertain to a car, but i'd guess they're close.

Brad,
Do you still have the torque tube driveline and original rearend? Those will need to be replaced if you go with the 350. Another good place to look for some pointers would be the hamb:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

There's a lot of hot rodders there that could probably offer some good advice on what you want to do.

I thought that the 350 was shorter than the inline. Hmmmmm. What say you?
Ralph

sbc shorter and lighter than your stovebolt.

I've got one in my 52 coupe, I bought the walton fabrication mounts, they are weld in, but they are located using existing bolts, worth every penny and an HEI clears

Instrutions are included and Todd Walton will talk you through it (including trying to sell you a bunch more of his really cool parts).