The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 59 Apache 36 Engine Swap?

Hi all, I have a 3/4 ton apache with a 235 in it. and I want to swap that with something with a bit more power, with the least amount of fabrication. I know I could go for the 261, but finding one of those around here is pretty rare. so i was thinking maybe a straight 8? or something like that?
Thanks for all the help!!!
John

A Smallblock Chevy V8 would be the easiest route. You will need to V8 engine mounts (redily avaialable from the resto parts houses) and a V8 bellhousing '55-'59-'63-'72 (salvage yard/swap meet part). A good vehicle to look for if you hit the salvage yards will be the LCF trucks, '55-'59 they were equipped with V8s from the factroy, and will have the bellhousing you will need. This is all assuming you want to keep it somewhat oeriginal and use a manual transmission. If you want an automatic, you'll want to use an aftermarket style crossmember style mounts, one for the engine and another for the rear of the trans.
just a side note, don't sell the 235 short. It migh only need a good rebuild. I have a 235 in mine, it'll run 70+ mph all day long and has plenty of power.

Ok, cool!

trust me, I love my 235, and it does need a rebuild. but when it was running good i couldn't get past 50 mph cause of my rear gears (5:13). and since im going to school full time and don't have a job, I'm trying to get this done as cheaply as possible, and cant afford a new axle, and no one makes gears for that rear end. i have an early model 216 that i was thinking of dropping in, but the splash oiling system is like a time bomb to me, and for a daily driver I didn't think it would be a good idea (even though its freshly rebuilt)

Kid,
If your 3/4 ton really does have a 5.14 ring and pinion in it, changing the third member out with a 4.57 unit will gain you a few mph...and they are fairly easy to find. Of course the 4.10 swap would be better, but they are elusive.

it does, and again round here its rare to find used parts that are any good. or cheap... and i can't afford brand new parts. but right now my main priority is the engine swap...

Swapping an engine because you need higher gears will not give you any advantage.

Cletis,

No disrespect meant, but im not swapping cause i need higher gears, im swapping cause the 235 that is in the truck right now is shot to hell. its gonna take me a couple months to rebuild the engine, and i cant go that long without my truck (it is my daily driver)

I want higher gears for when i put the 235 back in. so that i can go faster than 45-50 (running 4.5-5k RPM)...

Check all the various places 235s are advertised for sale. The swap meet here, some of the vendors have forums with for sale areas, most the other old truck forums have a for sale area.

Its not unusual someone will be taking out a good 235 to replace with a V-8 and after it sits in the garage unsold for a couple years the price can be very cheap. That could solve your motor problem with very little cash out of pocket.

The rear gears problem is tougher. There is no easy solution. A guy on another board finally found the elusive 4.11 gears and is finding its going to cost an arm and leg to rebuild the rear he has.

My own solution was to replace my rear with a GM 14-bolt with gears I liked better. Other guys have used other axles. I see axles that might work advertised on craigslist all the time in my area, you might find some in yours too.

thanks for the info!

OK, I misunderstood. I'm with OldSub on looking for an idled 235 then. They turn up quite often.

I did same as you want with my first TF, a 57 1/2 ton with 4.10s in it. The old 235 just didn't have enough poop to run more than 55 or so on the highway.

In my local junkyard I found a 66 1/2 ton pickup with 327 and sm420 4 speed. All stock stuff, and worn out too, but better than I had. I bought the replacement SB mounts, dropped it all in and drove it for a couple of years.

Also- Install the tallest rear tires you can without causing problems. That will effectively reduce your rear gear ratio.

Devin