The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop swap a 350 in place of 235

when am i gonna learn? allready wasted way to much time and money tryin to get this old straight 6 running , f...it !what am i getting into swappin in a 350 -350 instead ? what all do I need , any links or sites dedicated to this , thanks 55redstove

Hy 55redstove, Could you confirm what series truck you're asking about, I take it from your screen name that it's a 55, but is it a 55"A" or 1st series or a 55"B" or second series. The swap is quite different between the two series.

there are other good motor other than v8s for example chevy 250 and 292, you can use modern automatic transmissions without adapters, a/c, hei, etc on them

sorry it's a 2nd series and i just got a great deal on my trans (350 th) any sugestions on best motor to mate to it , by best , i'm looking for dependability and fuel economy .

Any small block V-8 or later inline 6 would be a good choice. Nothing from the 235 can be used on either of these engines.
Crate 350's go for about $1700 plus you would need an intake manifold, carb, air cleaner, distributor, exhaust manifolds & exhaust system, pulleys, throttle linkage, flex plate, and other related components & accessories. Add another $1000 for components.
Keep in mind that you likely have a 3:90 rear end and probably won't get great mileage with the 350 trans. A 700R4 or 2004R OD trans would be a better choice.
Fred

The 350 engine is great for swapping into that truck. The V-8 was an option in that model & all factory parts are available. Putting the auto trans in is another story. You have to remove the crossmember under the bell houseing & get crossmembers for the engine & trans. Leaving it with a manual trans is easier.
I am going to do my 56 this winter & use a Camero T-5.

already got the auto trans.(350 TH) rebuilt and ready to go for 100.00, I'm leaning towards a 350 cid engine , plentiful and dependable , unless someone gives me a good enough reason not to ! do I need a new wiring harness , like a painless , or can it be done with the existing wiring ? also would you suggest a 2 or 4 barel carb ?wouldn't the motor mounts and trans. cross member be enough ? I'm putting a lokar 23" auto shifter in .

55Redstove

Good combo choice on the 350 engine and trans

1.) I have installed 4 Painless kits and they are great for the car hobbyist.
gut the original wiring and install one!
2.) a small 4 barrel Holley 490 or an Edelbrock 400 is easier than trying
to make an ancient 2 barrel stand up to todays garbage fuels.. my opinion
3.) TransDapt makes nice engine/trans adapters as well as CPP, Chassis Engineering, etc.

mike

You can do the wiring with the stock harness, you'll just need the V8 part of the wiring. This can vary depending on what distributor you run, as well as whether you run an alternator or generator. If you're going to add aftermarket accessories, like a stereo, AC, etc., you might consider a Painless kit, but otherwise, the stock harness will be just fine.
Since you're considering a late 350 and automatic trans, you will not be eable to run the factory style V8 motor mounts. You'll need to use a side mount style or crossmember style. I would use the side mount style myself, cleaner installation. Those are available from Speedway, and mount to the tops of the framerails much like the later style engines mount.
For a carb, definetly go with a 4bbl. It's actually a myth that a 2bbl will get you better mileage, especially on a mid size V8 like a 350. Use a spreadbore carb with a progressive linkage, like a Q-Jet, or even a spreadbore Holley or Carter Thermoquad.

very good advise , thanks,hope others chime in as well !

ok I got a rebuilt 305 with 350 th . does anyone know what headers will work best with this set up ,? thanks 55redstove , i don't care it there new or used !

There are several headers that would work. I used blockhuggers because of a clearance issue. A holly 600 would be a good choice in carbs.