The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine swap advice;

My '59 apache 36 w/ a 261 has started to knock and i want more power so here goes the engine swap debate....which engine to drop-in? I have my eye on a '58 348 but don't know about available components and costs. I plan on putting some $ in it, just don't want to sell the farm to do it. Everyone seems to dump a 350 in everything so i'm open to suggestions...283,348? Also i do not want alot of (or any modifications) want to drop-in and keep the origional 4-speed and rear end gears(457) i like to cruise and sound and look good...no tire burner or anything like that, thanks for all ideas guys!

I always vote for 283s, have a pile of'em on hand alla time, strong, dependable, and age appropriate

Bill

348's were expensive to repair when they were new, and time hasn't improved things at all. They have an oddball angle at the top of the block which results in the combustion chamber being in the exhaust-manifold side of the cylinder, with an almost-flat surface on the heads where the valves fit. There is an almost total lack of speed equipment for the 348/409 engine, unless you happen to find new old stock parts somewhere. There was a 3-2BBL intake available as a factory option, and I believe maybe a couple of factory high performance camshafts.

Another option might be a swap to a well worked-over 292 inline six, but that one's going to be pretty spendy compared to a warmed-up 350.
Jerry

The 400,350,327,and 283s are proven and a easy install. Any of the 4 would be my choice .Everyone uses the tried and true 350 unless the others are found first.My favorite is a 400 use 350 rods,stroke it to a 406 great power and torque for trucks.

I have a numbers matching 57/58 Corvette 283/283, Fuelie headed, power pack running engine you can have for $4500 But I would put in a 350 if I were you. 348 will also be period correct but a parts problem ($$$$). They sure look cool. BTW a 348 and 409 are very similar, fastest way to tell, take the 9 in 409 and turn it backwards and make a p = passenger side dip stick. 348, driver side dip stick. Not a foolproof method, the pans can be interchanged, best way, of course, is by the numbers. Remember, this is a big block. (the first BBC).
Chevy had/has a 4.56 ratio rear end and of course 4.11 but those are not cruiser/hiway ratios, those are drag ratios,(tire burner) you want 3.42 or 3.73. Are you sure it's 4.57?


3.73 is the old "street and strip" gear set.
Tire size and tranny, play a big roll also.

The key thing to remember when converting to a V-8 from a 235/261 6 cyl is that nothing from the 6 cylinder can be used in the conversion. You can use your original transmission but will need a V-8 bellhousing and flywheel. It would be a good idea to locate a complete V-8 with all the accessories. Front mounts are also required and available from aftermarket suppliers.
Fred

If you want to be different how about a 389 or 421 Pontiac?

thanks for info guys! I believe a 348 is going in to my truck this winter(dealing on one now) so i need more advice on what to expect....v-8 bell housing(got it) and flywheel(need) anything else? I'm running everything else stock...4-speed trans, stock rearend. We just cruise and do about a dozen car shows a year, just want to sound good and look good too! Thanks for continued help!

I just acquired a 348, this site is a good resource: http://www.348-409.com/ I would look for a 1961-1965 block, but the earlier blocks are good too. I found a lot of rebuild/speed equipment for a 348 (check eBay, plenty of vendors out there that specialize in 348/409 engines). But, you do have to look for them. I would agree, the 283 parts appear to be cheaper. While the 348 is a big block it is not too much bigger than a 283. A lot of Chevy V8 parts (e.g., motor mounts)are interchangeable. I like the look and uniqueness of the "W" engines.