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| | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 20 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 20 | Hey guys,
Is there any difference between a 1952 1/2 ton GMC chassis and a 1951 1/2 ton Chevy chassis. I have a '52 Gmc chassis with the 228 and trans available to me to replace my rusted one.Is the 228 the same engine size as the 216, or are there some distinct differences ? I think my 216 is fine for now but it is always nice think you have a spare engine. Thanks for any info.
JB | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy JB's 51, yes there is a difference, the front crossmember is different, the 228 GMC engine is longer than the 216 Chev engine, hope that helps.
Last edited by 3B; 01/29/2009 6:08 PM. Reason: spleling
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 | Welcome aboard the Stovebolt train. Many people will tell you that the GMC's are superior and in some ways I guess they are. The 228 GMC was purposely designed as a truck engine. It has full oil pressure to the insert rod bearings, heavier, beefier rods and a higher nickle content in the block. The GMC boys can list more things that make it better. The 216 is a car engine, though it made its way into millions of Chevy trucks and I love mine. Have you checked out oldgmctrucks.com? Lots of great info over there and an active forum. You can probably put your 51 Chevy cab/body on the GMC chassis. The radiator will probably have to go forward approx 1-2". Maybe Oldsub or one of the other GMC knowledgeables will chime in. Good Luck!!
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| | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | Well 3B basically covered it...
That front crossmember is the only real difference between a Chevy and GMC frame. The crossmember is different in several ways that might matter to you.
1) The motor mount is further forward to support the longer GMC motor.
2) Because the motor is longer, the radiator is mounted further forward, and its supported by this crossmember. Since all the front sheet metal mounts off the radiator mount it affects all that stuff.
3) There are original factory sway bars available and since they mount on this crossmember, you must use a Chevy on a Chevy or a GMC on a GMC, though I suppose some creative work might adapt one...
It would take removing a bunch of rivets to swap crossmembers, but I'm sure it can be done.
As for the motors, the GMC is all of the things mentioned above. But the larger 270 and 302 are the only ones considered desireable, the smaller 228 and 248 seem only of interest to serious restorers.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | |
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