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#54113 12/28/2005 11:58 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 | Anyone have any experience with hooking up a 350 to a SM420 4 speed. I have not done this before and I would like to know what I need to know to make it happen.
Pit falls?
Bell housing problems?
Fly wheel problems?
Any other issues I have no idea about?
Thanks again for all your help.
Dan
If you didn’t skin a knuckle while you were working on your truck, you weren’t working hard enough! 53 5window 1/2 ton54 3window 1/2 ton
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#54114 12/29/2005 2:49 AM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | Short answer is that the SM420 was used behind V-8's starting in 1955 through 1967. Difference between a 350 and a 283 or 327 isn't going to matter.
Bellhousing and linkage issues depend on exactly what you are putting it in.
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... | | |
#54115 12/29/2005 3:40 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 | OldSub, I currently have a 235 in a 54 1/2 ton. I will be putting a 350 or 327 in to replace the 235.
If you didn’t skin a knuckle while you were working on your truck, you weren’t working hard enough! 53 5window 1/2 ton54 3window 1/2 ton
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#54116 12/29/2005 5:01 PM | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 | 53....... You need to get a 55 2nd series thru 67 V8, Or a 63 thru 67 6 Cyl truck cast iron bell housing There is no crossmember issue,53 and older would have that prob  There,s gonna be an issue between the steering box and the left exhaust manifold  Your gonna hafta fab up or buy a ready made front motor mount set up,just for starters Good Luck. | | |
#54117 12/29/2005 5:27 PM | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,067 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,067 | I see the bellhousings on ebay frequently pretty cheap. I picked up one for $20 bucks locally though. So check around.
52 GMC 3/4 ton pickup
68 Big Block Vette
68 455 Firebird
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#54118 12/29/2005 7:18 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 | Thanks guys,
I was aware of having to fabricate a cross memeber/motor mount. I have also read about the clearence issue for the steering, I have someone to help me with that.
SteveSr, why are those specific year bell housings important?
I have an old cast iron bell housing someone gave me to bolt up to a 72 4 speed transmission (which I never used). How would I know if it is the right bell housing to use?
Casting numbers?
Bolt patern?
Thanks again for all the help.
Dan
If you didn’t skin a knuckle while you were working on your truck, you weren’t working hard enough! 53 5window 1/2 ton54 3window 1/2 ton
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#54119 12/29/2005 7:41 PM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | 53 you are dealing with two bolt patterns.
First is the difference between the early six and the V-8 where they meet the bellhousing. The '63 and later six is the same as the '55 and later V-8. The '62 and earlier six is completely different.
The second is the crossmember issue. Up through '67 (I'm trusting SteveSr, but that sounds right to me) the pads on pickup bellhousings where it mounts to the crossmember are the same. The '53 and earlier crossmember is different.
So those year bellhousings should fit both your 350 and your transmission. They are not hard to find.
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... | | |
#54120 12/30/2005 3:39 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 72 | OldSub,
Thank you very much and everyone else for the help. I don't have a lot of mechanic experience so I rely on you guys. I love to try new stuff and work my way through it with, especially with a little guidance.
I will let you know how it turns out and what bell housing I come up with.
Thanks again,
Dan
If you didn’t skin a knuckle while you were working on your truck, you weren’t working hard enough! 53 5window 1/2 ton54 3window 1/2 ton
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#54121 12/31/2005 3:28 PM | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 | 53fivewindow Oldsub answered for me perfectly Sorry I didn,t get back to you earlier,was at work Check to see that the mount pad area on the bottom corners of that 72 bell are angled/chamfered like the crossmember. not sure on the 67/72 bells,It might work Not to sure when GM went to the full wrap around aluminum bell,but my 74 c10 250/3spd had one. Happy New Year Everybody | | |
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