The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts V8 Conversion Questions.

Any advice for converting a 52 ton and a half from the original 216 to a 283 V8? I plan to get the motor mount kit from Jim Carter and I already found a bell housing that fits both the new V8 and the original tranny. And someone told me that using 265 exhaust manifolds avoids having to move the steering box. Questions I have are about supporting the tranny and moving/mounting the radiator. And has anyone converted to V8 and kept the original floor starter switch? Even if to activate a solenoid.

I switched to a 4 cylinder and kept the original floor starter button, it's now on the air valve that works the relay valve for the starter.
I expect you can do something similar with an electric starter switch.

Grigg

I have a '52 6400 that a former owner converted to a 350 V8 (stock transmission etc.). The 350 is a small block and I don't know if there is any real difference in exterior size with the 283 but I don't see how you could do the conversion without moving the steering box outward a little. In fact, because the engine sits down inside the frame rails, the top edges of the rails had to be ground a little for clearance. It uses the stock radiator with an electric fan...never overheats.

After the mounting issues are resolved you just about got it licked. The V8 is shorter than the six cylinder so I would invest the time and effort into building a fan shroud instead of trying to move the radiator. The radiator support in its current location does more than hold the radiator, it also keeps the fenders and hood in the correct location. Whatever you do, messing with the radiator support is bad news usually.

What about supporting the tranny? The old bell housing also bolted to the rails, but the new one doesn't have that option. Any pictures you guys have would be helpfull.

The point of my comments was Don't mess with the radiator support.

You need a different bell housing. Look for a '55 to '59 V-8 truck type for the easiest conversion, though if you avoid the hydraulic clutch models up to '67 will work. The mount pads will be wrong but can be adapated.

Thanks for that tip. I took a look on eBay for 1950's chevy bell housings and they ain't cheap. But I'm hoping to find one locally tomorrow.

Im not sure if the 1/2 is the same as a big bolt, but my 1950 chevy truck has a 327 v8 in it and the steering box is still in the original position. I have to say though, it is a very snug fit. The man i bought my truck from built his own motor mounts, i could take some picturese of them for you if you want.

Thanks, pictures would be very helpful! I bought the motor mount kit from Jim Carter's, I'm hoping they'll work the same.