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| | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 32 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 32 | I am planning on replacing the 235 in my 1954 1-ton with a 283 V8 that I have.
I currently have the SM420 transmission coupled with the 235, and want to mate the SM420 to the 283. I've been reading that in general the GM bellhousings for the early V8's should bolt to the SM420.
I assumed the flywheel would be different for the 283 vs the 235, but Summit lists a flywheel that's the same for both. Would the flywheels be the same for the 235 and 283? The 235 is from 1954 and the 283 is from 1958-1962. The 235 is still in the truck (still drivable) so I can't take things apart to look.
Also, IF a GM style bellhousing would fit on the SM420 and couple to the 283, then should most of the clutch parts fit and could I still use the mechanical starter?
The truck shop manual doesn't really show much on this stuff.
Thank you,
Skybum | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | I can't speak for sure about the clutch, but the starter is a defnite no-go. You will need to go to the solenoid style V8 starter.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy Skybum, the only way one flywheel will fit both a 235 and a 283 is if it has two bolt patterns. There are two different tooth counts for the flywheels one for a six volt and one for twelve volt. As there were no V8s that used six volt electrics, you would have to switch to a twelve volt starter. Being that you have a 54, your engine rear crossmember should have the angle mounts, if it does then you can use a bellhousing from a 55B - 59 V8 truck, and all your linkage should work just fine, hope that helps. | | |
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