The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area The Engine Shop T5 behind a 216?

Is it reasonalble to put a T5 and open running gear, better gear ratio behind a 216 CI. The engine runs good, good compresion, etc. Would the change out be worth it? It is in a '49 AD with a fair trans (3 on the tree) and oringinal rear end but I'm looking for better manners and a little more speed. Your thoughts please. THX

Well, I don't have any experience with a 216, a t5, or a 49 chevy, so don't take my opinion as fact. I believe t5s have been placed behind 216 motors. I would not think a transmission and rear end swap would give you a whole lot with a 216 power plant. However if you were to change the 216 to a 235 or even better 261 at the same time, I believe the swap would be much more worthwhile. I would continue driving the truck like it is and start gathering pieces.

I think a T5 would do more for bragging rights behind a 216 than for performance. If you are going to an open drive shaft, find a 1955 and up which is 3.90. I think that's about a fast a gear as a 216 will pull and still have anything in high gear.

Ia49, I've been trying to make the same decision for over a year now and for me I am down to two choices. 1) go with a car 3 speed to keep the 3 on the tree, and a 3.73 rear. I do most of my driveing around town so I like a slow 1st & reverse and I can be happy with 55 or so top speed. 2) If you don't care about the shifter go with a t 5, much more versitale, I still think the 3.73 is about right.
Power wise with the 216 I would not go any lower than 3.50 range with the rear.

Because there is less of a RPM drop between the 5 gears, than a 3 speed, the T5 will make a 216 preform much better. I would recommend it. I have done this swap for a few customers and they have been happy.

I think it would work well behind a 216. Some of the T-5's from the 4 cyl. engines had a .86 o-drive. That would be just right for the 216.

When I was in the process of building my 261 for my truck.I was also converting to open drive line with a t-5.I still had the original 216 engine in the truck and mated everything up to it.I put a t-5 and a 1967 Camaro rearend with 3:73 ring and pinion.The truck was really fun to drive while building the 261 for it.The combination woke the truck up.


Tim

Just think about being able to stop it and steer it safely if you going to make it faster.

My history with this type of set up went like this. I had a 216 with a stock three speed behind it in my 37 pick-up. I changed the 4:11 out to a 49-54 car 3:54 rear axle. Next I rebuilt the stock transmission with all new 54-55 gears. It helped allot and put me on the freeway at 55 to 65 mph with out too much trouble. I then put in a 55 front truck axle, totally rebuilt with modern tie rod ends on the tie rod and the drag link. Steered great! Then I went with a 56 261. Even better! Next I moved up to a T-5, a 55 Chev car 3:54 rear axle (open drive line), five lugs all the way around and a dual master cylinder. Now I'm in a nice spot. I can cruise (and stop) on the freeways or around the neighborhood with no problems! And the truck looks stock!

THX for the replies and ideas. I've got the stopping fixed with disc brakes up front but part of the deal would be better brakes in back and an E-brake. I'm looking for better driving around town and 55 on the highway. I just hate to throw a good engine away. Maybe later go to a 235/261 or V8. Thx again.