The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Original 235/4 speed Or 375 horse 327/T5 (T56)?

Well it has come down to just that, I have a 1958 Chevrolet Apache 32 (3/4 ton). I found her in a field in Coloma, Ca. its got "Irrigation pump co. Columbus Nebraska" written on the doors and brody knob. it came out of a field, wich cranked when i first got to it. The 235 in it is still good, looks rebuilt not too many miles ago, same with the trans, it shifts fine when rolling. They both need to be cleaned up and are both original but I also have an instructor at my school that is more than likely to give me a 327 short block and perhaps even sell me the heads at a decent price. I was told a T5 will bolt right up and all i need is a bracket. So therein lies my decision. Original or new power? I want to keep the truck as original as possible but at the same time be able to at least drive it short distances on the Interstate. I was also told the 235/4 speed is relatively slow and has a low cruising speed. Any input will be greatly appreciated, Thanks for reading.
- Green bolt

Keep the 235 and granny 4, upgrade the rearend to a 3.55 or so. This was done to my truck previous to my buying it and it goes down the highway much nicer than my last one with a 4.11.

Devin

Keep the 235, bolt the T5 up to the 235 and change out the rear with something that will make it more highway friendly. If he still gives you the 327, sell it and use it to fund the truck.


I don't mind V8's infact when the 235 that is in my truck does quit (if it ever does) It will definitly get a more up-to-date drivetrain. But for now, The inline 6 has grown on me. I think it is certainly different, as you don't see that many in these trucks anymore. And I think the reason for that is not because these motors are not up to the job (far from) but more that its cheaper to swap out or rebuild say a 350 v8 than a non running inline 6.

I got my 52 about a year ago, the inline 6 that was in it, as well as the entire drivetrain, was rebuilt prior to the previous owner having to sell the truck, so right now, its also cheaper for me to keep the 235. As well as I don't have the space and equipment to do a engine swap either.

Its your truck and as most would say, do what makes YOU happy and what works best for YOU, not everyone else.


A saying I wish they would put on a shirt: "Ain't no crime, Runnin' Inline"

Another vote for the 235!!!! If you've got a reasonably decent running 235 I'd keep it. The sm420 isn't slow.....the final ratio is 1:1, like most non-od transmissions....it's just that you don't have a synchronized 1st (Granny) gear so you're basically running a 3 speed. If you're planning on running at highway speeds, the easiest and least expensive conversion is to an S10 .72 T5 transmission. A few simple modifications will let you bolt it up directly (no adaptor plate needed) to the 235 and you'll have a truck that will cruise. Of course, you'll need to upgrade the brakes and make sure your tires, shocks and suspension are in good shape. Even if your 3/4 ton diff R&P numbers are high, the .72 OD will bring down your rpms and make driving your truck a real pleasure.

Just for kicks.....run your numbers through the following RPM calculator and bear in mind the stockish 235 makes it's torque in the 1600-2400 rpm range, with the optimum being between 2000 and 2400. I prefer the lower formula.

http://csgnetwork.com/multirpmcalc.html

Dave

Go with the 235 is my vote. You have a 3.90 rear which is a perfect platform for an overdrive. My '49 is a daily driver (see below) I pass people on the highway daily, cruise @ 72 mph, 2100 rpm's. Go this route and you'll be thanking yourself. My overdrive is .70 so the math .70 X 3.90 = 2.73 perfect for cruising.

"I have a 1958 Chevrolet Apache 32 (3/4 ton)"

I'm not a Task Force guy, but I think a 32 is a half ton long box.

Well that deffinatly settles that problem! thanks for all the advice guys! greatly appreciated! oh and ghostrider you are probably right about it being a 1/2 ton, I was just told it was a 3/4 because of its industrial title and 4 speed, but obviously being green to the whole stove-bolt world I could very easily be wrong, all i know is that it was a fleet side and some where down the line became a step side. but it is deffinatly a short bed because the frame looks much too short for a long bed unless the bed hangs over the frame rails a foot or two? not sure, but any how, Thanks a 1/2 ton guys!

A couple of thoughts...

First, with the right rear end ratio there is no reason a 235 won't run your truck down the road at highway speeds, provided everything is in reasonable condition.

Second, you can tell a 1/2-ton from a 3/4- or 1-ton by the number of lug nuts at each corner. Six means 1/2-ton. Eight is a 3/4- or 1-ton.

Third, a 283 was an option in a '58, so your 327 could look stock in that truck with a little work to find the right parts.

Apache 32 = 1/2 ton longbed

The '58 1/2 ton had two rear end ratio options, 3.90:1 and 4.11:1. The 3.90 is the most common. You'll have to check to see which one you have. The S-10 T-5s are commonly .72 or .78 OD, but there are a number of other ratios. Check the tech tips for a lot more T-5 info. Having said that, the 235, T-5, stock rear end seems to be a good combo to me.

best wishes,

Les

OldSub is correct, 6 bolts (lug nuts) for a 1/2 ton, and 8 for a 3/4 or 1 ton. Measure the distance between the front and rear axles (wheelbase) that will tell you whether it's a short or long bed truck. A long bed will be 123 inches axle to axle.

John

I say keep the 235 and install a T-5 and maybe find a better gear for the rearend,I think you can use the center section from up to the mid 60s but I am not certain the ratios will be any better but someone should know if any taller gears were available in the later trucks. Jeff

If it is a 1/2 ton, which a 32 would be, there's only 3 choices that were used, the std. 3.90, and the optional 4.11 and 3.38. Most likely, though, it will have the 3.90. Going with the T 5 swap will make highway driving much better, and also a taller tire will help, too. I'm running a 3 speed w/Borg Warner overdrive and a 30" tire, and run comfortably at highway speeds at about 2300 rpm.

i have my 54-3100-235 for 25 years and it has not let me down yet. i have a t-5 with 2.73 rearend but a 3.55 would be better and i change the way i use it i will go with 3.23 or higher gears. the 2.73 nova rearend does great here in Indiana. Ron

I have a 2.79 gears in my 37 with a T-5 but I noticed a drop in gas mileage so I will be going with 3.25 to 3.55 gears in the future. Jeff

jeff ogden, i have 2.73 and i have been toying with idea of a ratio change. why do you think going to a higher numerical will increase mileage. my loafs along at 1600 rpm in 5th gear. i am just curious?????? oh btw i get 16 mpg around town and 19 on secondary roads. have not taken on an interstate trip since overhaul. i also have dual carbs and flowmaster exhaust. ron

I never really checked the mileage before the changes but it seems to be using more since the T-5 and rear end swap,I do know that the RPMs are lower then its sweet spot and probably lugging the motor and it could also be the crappy gas too. I was told to put a stiffer spring in the power valve in the carb so I will do that before driving it next spring and see what happens. Jeff