The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 55 V8 Engine/Tranny Tips

Question for the experts. I just bought a 55 chevy. First question (somewhat off topic), when I say I have a 55, do you automatically think its a second series or first? Mine is a second though. Anyways, so I bought this truck from the son of the original owner who assured me that there is absolutely no carbon in the old 235. The son drove it to highshool in the late 50's and then it was parked in the 70's after all the other siblings used it as well. He also said that the engine is worn out, you had to carry a case of oil around with you in the latter years. Anyways, It has the stock three speed. I would like to put a small block in it rather then an inline six. (don't get me wrong, I like the straight sixes by all means, rebuilding a 235 for my 53 right now). So what do I need to put it in? Should I use the three speed? I also have a 4 speed from a 60 GMC sitting on the shelf. Would I be better off with that? I know some of these trucks came with V8's from the factory, so should I look for a bellhousing from one of those then? An automatic is not an option. Any tips would be appriciated. Thanks Much!
Colin

ps. pictures will be up loaded soon!

the 3 speed wil be fine seeing you already have the shift setup, why bother choppin a hole in the floor for a 4spd that still has 1:1 top gear? - bellhousing from standrard trans SBC 55 on for many years - can use the original style front mounts [repro from any supplier] or add a cross member to take the usual SB side mounts - original driveshaft - fan shroud to take care of the V8 being way back from the rad - drive it

Bill

Thanks for the quick reply Bill. Three speed it is. Shifter on the column is coolio...if thats not a good enough excuse, how 'bout it free's up floor space?
So you're saying that any bellhousing from a SB and manual tranny will work (within reasonable years)?
Fan shroud...okay, no worries there.
So any small block has the mounting plates, or faces rather to accept the front style mounts?
Thanks again!
Colin

By the way, crusing your site the other night, your '58 sure looks good!

the 283's and 327's and many 350's have the holes for the front mounts - some may not have but the bosses should be there just need drilling and tapping - yes, on the bellhousings

I'm partial to the 283's myself - don't think they were ever really improved on if yer not into racing

Bill

Hy Colin, the bellhousing must be a cast iron type with angled mounting pads at the rear with one 1/2" hole in the center of the mounting pad. On the engine mounts on the right side the upper bolt should not be too long as this hole goes right through and intersects with the fuel pump push rod, too long a bolt will lock it and do some terrible damage when you try to start the engine, put some sealer on it when you install it. Back to the bellhousing trucks from 55B to 67 should have a suitable one, hope this helps.

Don't forget to get the flywheel and starter that goes with the bellhousing if possible.The starter for this bellhousing set up uses three bolts and attaches to the bellhousing face,not the engine block. If,for some reason,you decide you need a "high torque" starter,you can buy one from your favorite parts store and swap your nosepiece onto it to make it fit the iron bellhousing. You'll need an 11" clutch with a diaphragm pressure plate.Your release fork and linkage should work. Center dump rams horn exhaust manifolds work well. If you can get the throttle arm (on the firewall) and linkage from a V-8 truck,you can do that,or you can easily convert to a cable throttle from a early to mid 70's Chevy car;the cable should be the right length. If not,there are several lengths available.This is basically just a matter of drilling 4 holes and filing one of 'em to a square shape.
Really pretty easy. Have fun!
Speed

I did one of these 2 years ago on a 56 & just got through doing one on a 55 2nd series. On the 55 the 6 cyl. gearshift linkage won,t clear any exhaust you put on. You need to change to a v-8 shift linkage or 56 up. Even the side cover on the trans. has to be changed. You can,t use HEI. I use a crane electronic kit in the stock dist. Other than that the previous posts have covered practically everything.

Thanks for all the great help!
Yet another question, my 55 has a foot stomp starter. I take it I lose it when I switch the bellhousings? If so, do I buy another ignition and just use a key start then? Thanks sooo much!!!
Colin

okay okay, I know I said an automatic is not an option, and I would hate to resort to it, but I have a rebuilt turbo 400 sitting on the shelf. What would it involve to put that in while we're at it? just curious.. Thanks!!!!

Hy Colin, You could use your present ignition switch and just add a push button switch for the starter function. The automatic installation is a little harder, the 400 was designed with a rear mount in mind, so no mount at the back of the engine, some people think that using the stock 55-59 V8 engine mounts which mount off of the engine and a trans with a rear mount results in too long a span between mountings. I can understand their concerns, I have seen at least two ways to deal with this, a kit to put side mounts in the truck frame for the engine, or a kit to put mounts on the front of the transmission using the bellhousing bolts, hope this helps

for the starter all ya hafta do is use the starter that fits the V8 and get the correct V8 key-start ignition switch housing and use your present key cylinder in it - skip the 400, too much work for no gain

Bill

Thanks for the tips, automatic is so far out of the equation now we'll forget about it.
Thanks again!!!
Colin

Here you go:
A picture or two of the \'55.