The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1946 chevy 2 ton engine swap

The old 216 in my 46 2 ton is starting to get pretty tired. I like using the old 46 for pulling things around the yard since it is geared low. I was just wandering what would be the easiest engine swap that would get me quite a bit more horsepower??

Hy Jordi55, the 54 235 or 261 would be the easiest, but they are also the rarest of the 235 261 engines. You can use the 55 and up engines, and order the special short shaft water pump, or use the plate adapter and use the older water pump. You'll have to use the flywheel, bellhousing, clutch etc. from your 216, to make it match up to your truck. Actually either swap if fairly easy, good luck.

a 250 will be fine and its a good motor just but a shorter water pump and u can u the fan or put a eletric fan thats what i have on my fleetline

i just got finished putting a 59-235 in my 51 dump all by myself. its real easy with lots more power than i had before with the splash engine. i was asked along the way why i wasnt putting something bigger in and i said simplicity. all the changes were done on the engine not the truck ie.(motor mount location, steering, suspension, radiator.) and it has all the power im going to need. it was right out and right back in.

The newer inlines (1955+) will fit with out the short water pump. You'll just have to move the radiator forward. All it takes is putting it on the other side of the core support and moding sheet metal. Someone did it to mine and After I finish cleaning up the badly done hick-job it don't look half bad. Mine has a 1959 261.

i used the water pump adaptor plate and used the original style pump and didnt have to move anything. the adapter seals up the hole in the later blocks and the original pump bolts to the plate. i had concerns of where the location of the fan would be since i have a radiator shroud on mine. no changes were needed and no contact between the fan and the shroud.