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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 | Just wondering if anyone has any input on transplanting a newer diesl engine such as a powerstroke into my 59 c4400? Its a long wheel base duelly and i want to make it more like the work trucks of today yet retain the charm of yesteryear. Long ago apperently someone put a small block chevy into her so im not too concerned about originality.She is currently being transported from Denver to Texas so i will post pics asap | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 86 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 86 | I believe that '59s had optional v-8 engines available up to and including the legendary 409. Sure it isn't original? Besides with the old rear end gearing and tranny, more horsepower and torque from a diesel isn't going to make a big change anyway, at least not in top speed.
Last edited by Matthew Blair; 04/24/2011 10:12 PM.
Matt
"Brunhilde II" '59 Viking 60
To paraphrase Ben Franklin: "Big Bolts are proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy"
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | if the front engine mounts are "pegs" on brackets riveted on the front cross member it's likely an original V8 and the vin number will start with a V .... optional V8 engines in 59 were the 283, 322, and 348
Bill | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | for all sorts of diesel swap info, ideas, and answers come visit www.4BTswaps.comGrigg | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,228 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,228 | The 1959 4000 Series trucks came with the 235 6-cylinder as standard equipment and would have the 283 V8 optional. The 348 was optional on the 7000 & 8000 Series and was the only engine available for the 9000 and 10,000 Series. The 322 was only available on the School Bus Chassis Model 10802 (240" wheel base). You won't find any light or medium duty trucks with the 348 or 322 installed from the factory in 1959. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 4 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 4 | I have a 50 6400 and have wanted to do a 6.2 swap. I cant imagine a Powerstroke in a Chevy. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 | wow glad to be part of this crew,,,lots of info and responses..i wont be getting her till the end of this week so then i can research whats actually under the hood,all i know from the pic is some old camelhump exhaust manifolds,,original carb replaced with a holley | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,228 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,228 | The Small Block Chevy (SBC) motors used "Rams Horn" style exhaust manifolds starting in 1958. I believe they used them well into the 80's, some with angle dump and some straight. To see a picture of one just search "SBC Ram Horn Manifold " on eBay. Mike B | | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 | great those look like the same on my truck,,im going to freak if this is an original V8 bolt! | | |
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