The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Engine Swap

I am considering an engine swap in my 53 Chevy model 6100 dump truck. Currently the dump has a 235 stock engine. Want something more dependable and can be done at reasonable cost. I may have access to a straight six from a 99 Jeep. Would like to use the stock dump truck transmission. I have done an engine swap before Chevy V8 into a Chevy PU which was a straight swap. I have no idea of what I would be getting into with this swap. Would appreciate any suggestions or advice. Thanks.

havnfun,

Whats wrong with you 235? It can be updated with electronic ignition, dual headers, dual carbs etc and be as depemdable as any Jeep motor without all of the retro fit issues. If you want more power look for a Chevy 261 found in mid to late 50's big trucks, it's a direct bolt-in swap.

Mike B

Thanks for the response. The 235 currently in the dump truck leaks oil faster than I can put it in. Although the truck is used very little on my farm property, I would like to also have a more dependable engine. The reason I am investigating the Jeep engine is that it can be had for very little. What it will cost to fit it in the dump truck is unknown. A straight swap would be nice. I will consider Chevy 261.

havnfun,

I'm not clear why you think the 235 is not dependable? Chevrolet had that motor in production for more than 10 years and there are thousands of then still on the road and they are VERY dependable!

The oil leaks can be fixed with a new gasket set (valve cover, side cover and oil pan) and maybe front & rear seals.

Even if the Jeep motor was FREE it would still cost more to retrofit it into your truck than the cost to just correct the leaks on what you have...my $.02.

Mike B

Post the size/year of the Jeep engine and maybe someone has experience with this in an Advance-Design large truck.

Otherwise, the older lower-pressure 235 is a dependable engine; a 1954-1962 higher-pressure 235 is a better and more dependable engine; and, a 261 is more powerful and it is at least as dependable as the 235 from the same year.

What is a reasonable cost to you? The cost of changing to a pre-1955-2nd engine would most likely be the lowest (depending on if is is a car or truck 235). The cost of changing to the Jeep would most likely be the highest and might not even be possible without adaptation to the rear end (that you say you want to keep).

Any chevy 6cyl. 62 or earlier will bolt right in with possibly drilling a couple holes in the front motor mount pad. A 63 and up will not!