The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop v8 to six

I am curious as to wheather or not I may use the three motor mounts on small sixes to mount the big six in the same spot as I think the big six is a bigger block but maybe only the head is bigger it seems to me the blocks are the same and drilled the same to accept the same mounts in the same places on the frame ie. the front half moon mount is on the front of the frame and the small two bell housing mounts are the same so why not be able to use them interchangeably to mount either large or small sixes????? the blocks only differ in stroke not bore....

There are definate differences from the older 216-235-261 engines to the newer 230-250-292 engines and they take different motor mounts. So you need to define what is a "big six" in your statement. Be specific. Then someone can tell you what you want to know but in general the answer is "no" you cannot interchange them.

I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere that the 292 uses the same mount locations as a V8?

Hy sdsmooth, firstly welcome, please remember to tell us what year/size truck you're asking questions about, and rather than use terms like small and large size engines, please refer to their cubic inch displacement [c.i.d.] 216, 235, 261, 230, 250, 292, etc. This will allow us to answer your questions more correctly, and more quickly, thanks.

292 mounts are offset, which means the V8 mounts will not fit. The 194/230/250 mounts are directly across from each other, in approximately the same location as V8 mounts. The V8 bellhousing for the early trucks that came equipped with the 235 engines will allow a late-model inline six, including the 292 to be bolted in, but you'll have to fabricate front mounting hardware.
Jerry

ok first off the small sixes include all motors from 192-261 cu.in. second... "big six" have always referred to a 292 cu.in. this is the same for small block vs. big block motors or all motors 283-350 vs, 396 or bigger,hence big vs. small quite a distinction between them. all early chevs had front frame mounts vs. 62' and up which had side frame mounts. 60-61 trucks were the only 60's trucks like them as the model year 62' and up were quite different in appearance... wrap around vs. straight windsheild,trim,hood,suspension,etc. my 60 c10 apache is a wrap around model but I need to know if a 63' 292 will fit in a 60' without having to modify it's mounting setup as the distinction in this regard is due to age and design of vehicle and frame ie. x frame vs. ladder frame. I wish to know if an x frame will fit in a ladder frame or visa visa and if they changed the frame design from 61 to 62 and up?????? and if the motors are only a 2-3 year difference rather than early vs. late sixes, I know that if you use a late model frame 62 and up that the motor will mount in the same manner as a v8, that is side mounts vs. front mount this was a cost effective measure adopted by the manf. to increase production but keep parts costs down. the left or drivers side mount is different from a v8 in that it is shorter and mounts in the two rear frame holes rather than the front two frame holes of a v8 as if they are staggered rather than parallel,but a 60 frame does not have side mount holes in the frame just the front frame mount location and the bell housing location in other words a three point mount. I am almost certain they will interchange without modification but would like to know for sure before taking such action and wasting valuable time and resouces. I would also like to know if an sm465 4 spd will interchange with a sm5 spd tranny. do the bell housings change over without a bolt hole problem, if so I will change the bell housing and bolt the 5 spd. with 292 in place of the crappy v8 violation I encountered while under the hood of my new B.D. present. so after extensive research on my part I am seeking an individual who has done this type of swap in the past if not then I shall be breaking new ground and offer my results as I go . Take care all stovebolters and God Bless you.

jerry you hit in on the head as you are right in describing the mount set up on a 62 and later model as the 60-61 is a front mount setup :-)

i have to say i like your attitude- "crappy v8 violation" smart move with going with the 292! if your truck has the v8 now the bell housing and everything else should work. you only have to worry about that pass side for the 292. i haven't noticed on the 60 to 62 if they have the holes for the 292 mount. i have done this swap several times in 63 to 66 trucks and can tell you you will have to get a specific 292 perch and the 2 7/8" spacers for the bottom 2 bolts. i think the motor mount and block bracket will work from another late model six. the drivers side is the same.