The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Chevy Newbie (sort of) Engine Swap ??

Hi Guys & Gals,
I haven't played with old Chevy's for almost 30 years and although I used to know most info off the top of my head, that knowledge along with most of my hair has escaped. Jr. and I are starting the search for an engine for his "first ride" a 56 3200. I'd like to see a 250 or 292, but he's kind of eager for a small block V8. For ease of installation and not cutting or otherwise bastardising a nice old truck, we are wondering if the later model (59 & up) V8s have the same front mounting bolt holes as the 55-58 so that we can use the original style mounting system. We already have the V8 bellhousing with the mounting pads (will this fit a 6-banger as well?) and are also wondering if the front frame brackets and the brackets from the front frame brackets to the engine are the same for 6-cyl and V8. Basically we need to know what fits this truck easily. Any and all help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Gene & Jr

what fits easy is any 283 or 327 - apparently some 350's have the mount holes in the front of the block, but I've never seen one - they do have the bosses cast on the block tho, so could be drilled - the I6 and V8 brackets that bolt to the engine [smallish right angle piece] are the same shape/size, but the holes are a bit different - can be adapted - the peg mounts for the 6 are shorter than the V8 ones, can be lengthened - the V8 trucks had special mount pads riveted on to the back of the front cross member, that are not on the 6 cyl trucks - the complete mounts are available as a kit from most suppliers - need a V8 bellhousing

I added the mount-kit frame brackets on my 58 and rebuilt a 283 for it - also later saginaw all syncro 3 spd just needs a fine tooth yoke to fit right in - the correct throttle linkage stuff is available from someone [Jim Carter parts?]

easiest conversion, not too spendy = 283 w/ repro mount kit, original 3 speed - later 6's mount different, 292 length will need modifications

Bill

With a v8 truck bellhousing the 250 292 will fit nicely. You will have fab some front motor mounts and gas linkage. I think the clutch linkage from the old 6 will work.

You can use about any V-8 chevy made up till 85 was drilled for the front mounts. After that a few came not drilled but not many. 283 would keep the kid in the slower safer new driver range.307 was a good as were the 327s I would stay away from the 305 unless it was low milage,soft cams and 350s used are cheap. If your going to take any of them apart to rebuild the 350 low HP GM crate motor is a nice way too go. Good power,good milage cheap.Run for 100,000 miles with out a lick of problems.
This will not be popular here but i would V-8 low HP for the kid or he might not stay intersted.Dont get nuts guys one of mine still has a inliner but if i was a young one it would be long gone.
Plus he can buy all sorts of after market little stuff used and new dirt cheap.Even free!

Just about any smallblock V-8 through the late 80's should be a bolt-in swap using the original front and rear mounting system. You might have to scrounge up a set of the old style ram's horn exhaust manifolds. I'm going to break with the crowd here, and reccomend a 305 engine. They're cheap (sometimes free), and with a stock rebuild other than flattop pistons and a slightly better cam, they produce plenty of power for a street machine. I've run them in claimer-class roundtrack racers, very successfully. The Comp Cams 260 degree High Energy cam, and a set of Speed-Pro Hypereutectic flattop pistons will get you the same power output as an early 327, especially if you use an Edelbrock dual-plane manifold and their AFB clone carburetor. it's streetable, even with a stock torque converter if you choose to go with an automatic trans, and reasonably good on gas mileage.
Jerry

If Jerry can break with the crowd so can I...

A bolt-in side mount crossmember kit isn't much money. It might even be cheaper than trying to find the repo parts to put a V-8 in the stock way.

As for what motor, I like the surge of power you get when you nail the peddle on a big block. But if we were building a truck for my kid, it would be whatever reasonably good, but cheap, motor I found first, and 305s are cheap and plentiful.

If your going to bore a 305/350 and buy pistons,cam and valves you blew the budget unless you own the machine shop. Buy a new 350 from GM. Dont use claimer motor parts. Cheap stuff because of the rules and not very good street parts. I dont know how you could win with a 305 claimer motor on dirt or pavement .IMCA ,FASCAR or? there are some real big motors in those claimer classes or are you stuck with the 305?. We do have one class that you have to use the 305 but they cheat those pretty good. Our claimer motor is and old 358 dry sump motor with a wet pan on it.Aluimn heads painted Bring that 305 on LOL 14 wins last year with 1 motor.
But seriously the 350 from chevy is 1300 bucks and it is brand new with a warranty Jasper aint all that bad either but rebuilt.4% failure rate.