The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 250 CI six into 51 pickup

I ve been told that if I want to make my 51 3100 into day time driver that a 250 from later 60's would be the best way to go.
I have no idea of what it may take so I'm sure there are bolters here that have some good advice and more info.

you might serf thru the engine area, a lot of posts
on various engine swaps here......they would work for night time driving also...lol

lots of choices. the easiest swap/upgrade will be a late 235. almost a drop-in and they can be plenty reliable. a 250 is a good choice but lots of things to change as that engine series mounts differently and requires a different bellhousing , etc. a small-block V8 is a good choice but again lots of things to change. your 216, if it still has the original engine can be built to be very reliable. if you want to go fast then brakes and steering must be addressed as well. Safety First. do lots of research on this site and others and make a plan before you jump-in and start changing things.
Above all Welcome and Good Luck!

joker is right, i drive my 250 at night a lot. lot's of variable to consider- what's available, your skill level, and budget. you should be able to get lots of advice here no matter which route you go.

Thank you guys for the help. and I'll try the night time thing also. I'm still not sure what I want to do with the truck I had it since 1966 and its all orignal but would like to beable to drive on the freeway.

Hey Dave, you might also look into a rear gear swap to get you a little more speed. I have not tried it but the gears are available for the stock inclosed drive line.

Dave, I just finished doing this swap late last spring. Someday I'll be a good member and post the whole process. But for now it's the 250 with the 2004r overdrive, S10 rear with 3:73 gears, cpp power steering. Also you will need a drive shaft.

Jim

Jim
What was your 200r4 out of?

The 200R4 is a later version of the 700R4 but it is my understanding that it requires a computer whereas the 700 series doesn't. I could be wrong about the 200 but not about the 700 as I have one in my 57'. My personal choice for any six would be a TH350-400 especially with a 3.70 rear or higher. In fact I may go back to it in the BelAir.

Correction I just learned that the 200 series does not require an electronic controller.

here it is i am doing another one, this one is with a t-5 trans http://www.chevybombs.net/forum/index.php?topic=12518.0

The 2004R was used from the early 80's to 91 in the Buick grand national and full size Buick,Olds and Pontiac cars. If you do a web search you will get more accurate information.

I think it is the same dimensions as the short shaft 350. No computer required and it completly different than the 700r4. The street roddders like them because they are smaller then the 700 and can be built to handle high hp.

Mine came out of a big 4 door olds or buick.

Jim

Pardon me for taking the focus off of engines and drive-trains, but I gotta ask: What is the night-time driving thing?

And, after you inform me, don't you go and invite me on any Snipe Hunt with you guys. Been there, did that, and bought the T-shirt.

Night time driver as opposed to a Daily driver. Yeh, I know.

Jim

Interesting. Thanks for the enlightenment, Jim. I thought maybe it involved some unwise or illegal action that one would need to sneak around under the cover of darkness in order to avoid being caught.

I wonder why such a driver could not be referred to as a Weekly Driver. Or as an Urge Driver. Medical term: PRN (as needed) Driver. You know?

The Blue Funk is a Weekly Driver. I don't care for doing errrands and I've found a way to increase the pleasure of the chore.

Oh well. To each his own, I guess.