The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 59 apache swaps

First of all, happy to find this forum...already learned a lot, great forum!! So I just purchased a 59 chevy apache which is pretty much stock 235 six but thinking seriously about swapping in a 283 and going auto on the floor. My buddy has a 70 chev p/u with a rebuilt 283/ and turbo 350 tranny...use the power steering etc. This a good candidate? I thought about keeping the six but it making a hollow knocking and they want $1400 for rebuild, I can grab 70 truck for $1000. Any thoughts/suggestions? I think i saw a motor mount kit that goes in the 59 Thanks!

Hy Ediddy, welcome, a 283 would be a fairly easy swap, but with an automatic I would recommend using a tubular crossmember to mount the engine using it's side mounts rather than the original front engine mounts. Also you'll need to to install a crossmember to support the rear of the transmission as well. You'll be able to use the power steering pump, but you'll probably have to buy a kit to change the truck over to power steering, as the steering system is totally different, hope that helps.

I bet you'll come across $400 worth of tweaks and mods you'll have to address when putting in the 283 and auto trans. For me, I'd prefer to spend the $400 on a new engine, keeping it original.

To each his/her own.

Welcome to the 'Bolt!

Bill

Why not use the front mounts with an auto trans? Just curious.

It leaves too much distance between the front mounts & the mount on the rear of the trans. It will break the trans. case.
If you use an automatic you will have to remove the crossmember under the bell houseing. I leave the manual trans in mine. The v-8 engine is a simple swap.

Diddy -

I have the very same truck, 'cept mine is an original V8 truck. One thing you may want to strongly consider before you swap the engine or tranny is swapping the rear end. Keep in mind that your truck has 4:56 gears in the rear, so, regardless of your engine choice, your top end will be 50 - 55mph MAX, and the engine will be screaming. Performance may be a little different depending on the type of auto you swap in, but the gears are low no matter how you cut it.

Why not leave it a stick? Shifting gears is fun, and gives you a whole lot more control.

I'm in the process of swapping in a Dana 60 rear end from an 88 Dodge pickup, and it's really not that much of an ordeal. You'll have to swap the yoke, modify the spring perches, and get an adapter for the brake lines, but none of it is rocket science.

Something to think about...

Chris

I did the swap on a 58. Crate 350 with a th350,power steering and tilt steering wheel. Just finished install of a blazer rear end with 3.08 gears instead of 3.9 this makes a good street driver.All pretty much straight forward. New motor mounts front and rear,reworked the drive shaft for correct length. Changed the spring mounts on the rear end,used the original e brake cables. Kept the 6 bolt hubs. Tachs at 2500 at 65mph.

Chris - the 4.57 gears are in 3/4T, the 1/2T's have 3.90's standard

Bill

Squeeze -

Thanks for the correction...I'm still learning as I go...

Chris

You should take another look at the 70 truck with a 283 in it. It could be a 307 or possibly a 350. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these engines but it's not likely that a 70 has a 283. There were a number of changes such as the mount holes in the heads which attach alternator brackets, PS pump, etc., which the 283 did not have.
If you stay with the standard trans you will need a V-8 bellhousing and flywheel. As 3B states you will need the side mount and rear mount crossmembers if you use the auto trans. Also a cooler or a new radiator set up for an auto trans. Factor in other items such as exhaust, trans shifter, and possibly a drive shaft.
Fred

Ya, the 283 is not original to the truck from what I understand...I would prefer a 4 or 5 speed tranny but the 70 I got has the turbo 350 in it so was entertaining that idea. Figure I'd need to switch out the stock tranny? What about using the rear end out of the 70? Or is that not a good match? I appreciate all the feed back! This is my first non air-cooled project! I've always wanted an apache since I was a little guy, really looking forward to digging in!

The 70 rear end could work. It will probably require some cutting & welding on the spring pads. Also be aware that the wheel bolt pattern will be different. 6 lug vs 5 lug.
The small block with 350 auto combo is a very common switch for these trucks. You should be able to find lots of info on the conversion.

Fred

Thanks! Both trucks have the same 6 bolt pattern, what's your recommendation on a good site for picking up mounts etc?

I get most of my stuff from the Truck Shop only because they are close by, I don't have to pay shipping, and can take things back when they mess up. Brothers is good as are most suppliers listed on this site.
Fred

I think I've decided to go w/ new 4 speed (old won't bolt up), hydralic? if I head to a salvage yard, what would be a good donor vehicle to look for? Also....what would be the best solution for power steering...full column out of a van?