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| | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 34 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 34 | After searching the forums here and elsewhere, I think I have it straight with respect to replacing the 235 in my 1956 Chevy 3200 with one from a car (there are several ones from cars available, but none from trucks around here.) I don’t want to restart an old thread here, I just want to make sure I have my facts straight (as not all the posts agreed). My current setup is the 235 engine and 3 in the tree transmission. I realize that there can be some mechanical differences (hydraulic lifters, air cleaner, etc), but this does not matter to me as originality is already gone in this case. My understanding is that I can easily do this provided I use a ’55 to ’62 car 235 that has the 2 side mounts located near the front of the block, just like my truck has. I also understand that if the car drivetrain I buy comes with a 3 speed standard, I will have to use my existing truck bellhousing/clutchfork/throwout bearing, and if it comes with a Powerglide I can simply install a pilot bushing and use my existing flywheel/clutch/bellhousing/clutchfork/throwout bearing and transmission. So first off, do I have it right so far? And secondly, other than allowing use of the “stomp starter”, what is the reason for having to switch bellhousing and clutchfork?
Thanks!
Stephan | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,101 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,101 | Hy Stephan, you are correct on what you have said so far. The reason for the bellhousing change is so you can mount the engine to the rear crossmember, the throwout arm is also peculiar to the truck, and that's why you have to use it, hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 413 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 413 | Hy stephan, youre pretty much on track. it all should bolt right in as long as the motor mounts are in the same locations.
The reason you have to change bell housings is because the trucks used a different bellhousing than the cars, mainly to fit the vehicle. there were also differences in clutches and clutch forks as well.
I think the main difference between the truck and the car engine, is the truck engine is built for hauling and has different torque compared to the car engine.
Last edited by JeffL; 02/02/2012 2:10 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | 1955-59 engines will be the only ones you will find that have the front side mounts needed for your truck.
Yes trucks came with solid lifters and aluminum cam gears but that will make little difference.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 34 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 34 | Thanks guys! The hunt for a decent engine continues!
Stephan | | |
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