The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 59 Apache 6 cylinder Engine Swap

First time poster here. I did several searches of the forum using different wording, no luck. So here's my question: I have a 1959 Chevy Apache 3600 truck. Original motor is stuck. I have a chance to buy a 250 straight 6 at a good price. Will the stock 59 mounts, exhaust and other associated parts work with the newer 250? Anything I should know about with this swap?

The stock engine is a (270?)straight six. Truck has the stock 420 trans, it's all original.

Thanks for any info,

GaryS

welcome to the shop Gary, don't forgit to get some pictures to the editor for the gallery, and link us up to some, we love pictures here

the stock 59 motor would be a 235, and the later 250 will have a different mounting arrangement, and no doubt different exhaust configuration, but if the price is right, anything could be made to work .... haven't heard of anyone here doing just that switch, but maybe .... also don't know if the bellhousing would mate to the stock 4speed

you might also consider going to a small block, as the 283 was an option then, and might be an easier switch

Bill

What red said. Plus, 235s in your area are easy to find and can be had for a song.

Ok, so the motor mounts on the original won't bolt on to the 250. Also, I would have to use the bellhousing and clutch parts off the original on the new 250, will that bolt up?

BUT, you guys say a 235 IS a direct bolt in?

That's what I really want, an easy bolt in. I don't want to re-invent the wheel on this thing, just want to get it running the easiest way possible!!

Thanks for the previous info guys, sounds like you saved me a lot of expense.

The engine is about 108 miles from me, but the guy says it runs great, $150 bucks.

Ok, the hunt for a 235 now begins....

GaryS

Hy GStrom66, If you want a drop in swap there are actually two choices in the six cylinder arena, the aformentioned 235, and the 261, out of a larger truck, hope that helps.

Thanks for the info 3B. I'm in NorCal near Sacramento/Placerville, what do you guys think is a reasonable price for a good running 235 or 261, just ballpark? I've seen them all over the place in price.

GaryS

Hy GStrom66, I would say $500-800 should get you something with some life left in it. Hope that helps.

Gary,
Don't give up on the 250 etirely, if it came out of a pre 73 truck the bellhousing will match up with the existing crossmember rear mounts. For the front, you can purchase a tubular(side)mount kit that is used for V-8 conversions from various suppliers (Truck Shop, Brothers, etc). Your trans should also bolt up but check the center hole of the bellhousing vs the diameter of the front bearing retainer. Fred

Hi Fred, that 250 doesn't come with a bellhousing. It actually had an automatic on it and comes with a flex plate. So, I have to use the bell housing, clutch and all other parts off the original 59 engine. Will all those 59 parts fit on a newer 250??

Nope, the clutch and release arm are the only things that you can use from the original engine. The bellhousing that you need fits a V-8 truck from 55-67 and/or 6 cyl from 63-67. Your clutch is probably a 10" so if you plan on using it you need a flywheel for a 10" clutch. The 68-72 bellhousing has a larger center hole but would still work with the earlier trans. You will also need the starter that matches the aforementioned bellhousing. You could post an ad for the bellhousing and flywheel and see what turns up. I think the V-8 and (250/292)6 flywheel are the same.
Fred

Yea see, I just don't want it to get too involved. Your info is great, I'm cutting and pasting it to a file for reference. I have an extra V8 and all the clutch/flywheel/bellhousing goodies, but they are for another truck. This 59 I wanted to be easy, straight bolt-in, time and money make that a reality. I've got 5 trucks right now, I may have to thin the herd!!

What is wrong with keeping the engine in it, be it 270 or 235 or 261??
If it needs rebuilding, you are ahead already, it fits.

Well Walt, that may be an option if it's not too far gone? The guy I bought it from is a family friend. He said he was driving down the road when it let go, (ten years ago, it's been sitting since). He said it just made a big bang and seized, he said it didn't make any clattering or banging like a rod. So, I better pop off the pan and valve cover and see what's up, I could get lucky, but I doubt it?? Be nice to find a broken timing chain, or do these have gears?

GaryS

OK,
Better pull pan and valve cover, possibly head too, and see what it looks like.
Maybe it did no major damage inside.
Maybe it dropped a valve. Check rockers and pushrods. Check rods.
Gears could have stripped and put everything out of sync.

A 235 or 261 would be a bolt in replacement for your 235 if that is what you have.

Myself I would go for the newer 250 if you want to do some work. Also, easier to use an auto transmission if wanted.
There are brackets and engine mounts available if you can not do the fabrication.
Check with Chassis Eng. for bolt in engine mounts.

Everyone can have a V8 easily with crate motors available, but a six is different.
Yes, a V8 may be easier and even less expensive.

I put a V8 and subframe in my '40, 30 years ago in my home garage. So anything can be done.
I am now building a 250 as we speak for mine.

The exhaust pipe is an easy fix for you at the muffler shop from the 235 to the 250 if using single exhaust.

Hope this will help.

Hey Walt1940, I am thinking about putting a 250 in my 87 1/2 ton 4x4. Would a properly built 250 be good enough for this rig? It has 3.73 gears with a 700R4 and 31 BFG All Terrains. Want to pull the 350 TBI out for better mileage and more room under the hood. I talked to a machine shop and they seem to agree that with some modest headwork, balancing and a Clifford/Offy manifold plus a 390-450 cfm may be a good set up with my 3" Magnaflow. Maybe a mild cam to boot. I have a friend thats near retirement and used to have a Nova with a 3 speed auto and his older brother years back put on a small 4bbl and did some rejetting and drilled something out and it got 27 mpg with a 250. His brother wouldn't tell him what he drilled out. Any ideas on that one? I have known him almost 2 years and he's a straight shooter. Hard worker at a plywood plant. Since you are doing a 250 you must feel its a good engine. I had a few bolts years back and they never let me down and they ran good for what they were set up with from the factory. I want simplicity and some mpgs at least within reason. Henry

For GStrom66 I would consider a 250/292 or a 261 from an older truck. They are rugged built and last forever. The 235 is a good choice but the others offer more hp and torque. MPGs are probably relavent. The 292 is a stump puller and with better compression near 8.75 or 9:1 max it will perform and get reasonable mpgs. Its usually 8.0:1 which is low. All these are good engines and easy to work on. I am a nostalgic so I prefer the sixes to eights. Like the sound of them better too along with more room under the hood. H.