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| | | Forums66 Topics128,195 Posts1,057,370 Members48,469 | | Most Online14,466 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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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 | Hi, I'm trying to install a hydramatic transmission in my 53 GMC 3/4 ton with a 216 engine. After removing the flywheel I was left with a 4 bolt flange. Did hydramatics not go on 216s? everything else fits, intermediate bell housing,dowels. I havent changed the pilot bearing for a bushing yet but it doesnt look like a problem. should I be looking for a different engine or crank? If anyone has an insight please help me out. In the mean time I will continue to read.
Aric Gilbrecht
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | I think you need a 1954/55 Chevrolet 235 engine or GMC 248 (6 Volt) to work or you need a 270 or 302 GMC engine (The 302's all came with the 6 bolt flywheel). GMC made a 6 hole flywheel for the 6 volt but they are hard to find, you will have to go to a 12 volt flywheel and starter. What year hydra-matic do you have? Is it complete? old Post old post 2 There are several HM guys on board. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9 | You would be better off staying with all GMC parts for this.
GMC torus cover(flywheel) is made special for GMC hydramatic.
Buy,Sale,Trade inline Chevy/GMC engines and parts. International shipper, custom crate builder, 74% freight discount 48 state. James~503-740-6783 http://www.JJinlines.com | | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,974 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,974 | It seems strange that you have a 216 in a 53 GMC. Is it a Canadian model? Or is that a replacement engine for the original 228/248/? that was in the truck with a Hydramatic? Please elaborate. As others have implied Hydramatics never came behind 216's. I did read of a guy that managed to put a Powerglide behind a 216 once. So it might work with some machine work... Good luck.
Professional Novice
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | A 1953 USA GMC would have most likely come with a 228 (or, maybe a 248). 1953 was the first year for a Hydra-Matic in a GMC.
In 1954, the Chevrolet Hydra-Matic came with a 235.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 278 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 278 | I believe that 1939 216s used a four bold flange. Did not use six bold until 1940 or 41.
Last edited by Donf; 10/23/2011 4:42 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,974 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,974 | In this article Patrick writes that 41-62 Chevy crank flanges are all the same. http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/articles.htmlSo 40 and before must be different.
Professional Novice
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I'm not sure why he says 1940-62. 1940 and 41 were six bolt, but used 3/8" mounting bolts, and they also had a larger center hole in the flywheel. 1937-39 used four mounting bolts.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 | Yes I have a complete Hydramatic which I believe is a 1953. It is complete with a mid housing for the flywheel which I also have. It is compatible. Anyone have a cheap 235 or 248 in the SF bayarea?
Aric Gilbrecht
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 | The break down for the engine number on the block shows that this engine should be a 228 made in Oakland in 53. I was assumming it was a 216 because of the flange. let me check again.
Aric Gilbrecht
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 | After rechecking the serial number it should be a 228. 152 22 C 4690 3/4ton with 125.25 wheel base, 228 engine, made in oakland, with no production year indicated.
Aric Gilbrecht
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,974 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,974 | The engine serial number for the GMC's starts with the size. Stamped on the flat boss behind the distributor: 228xxxxx
Professional Novice
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 5 | Sorry for taking so long Frank. I rechecked the engine number and it is a 228. So now I'm down to getting a 235 engine that is not so hard to find. Or getting a GM crank shaft with 6 holes on the flange. I think I'll go for the 235, it seems less risky.
Aric Gilbrecht
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Would you clarify what the Hydra-Matic is out of? Chev and GMC six bolt crank pattern are different so your flywheel is specific. I believe the four bolt pattern is the same for Chev & GMC.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | |
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