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| | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 28 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 28 | Good Day, I have a nice 1959 Chevy Apache that needs a new engine and transmission. I located a rebuilt 1955 engine and transmission that came out of a Bel Air. Can I put the Bel Air engine/trans in my truck? I am trying to get as close to original as possible. The owner of the '55 engine says it will work no problem. The price seems to be right at about 2K. Can anyone give me some advice....thanks a lot
1959 Apache.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
$2K
What are the compression readings?
What is the oil pressure when it is warm and at idle?
What transmission?
What is the serial number on the engine? It is pressed into a ledge in the block, just to the rear of where distributor goes into the block. The block might not have the correct fittings for the front motor mounts.
A 1956 and later 235 will have a higher compression head (and, higher horsepower).
Pre '68 Dave and others should have more useful/helpful comments/questions.
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | You will need they Truck bellhousing from a '56-'59 6 cylinder. The Passenger bellhousing is different from the Truck, and the '55 Truck bellhousing is specific to that year. Other than that, no reason that the engine and trans would not work.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 253 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 253 | I have a 58 truck bellhousing should you need one.
1945 Chevrolet G 506 1.5 Ton Military 4X4
1967 Jeep Cj5 with 283 SBC
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 | 6 cylinders or 8 cylinders? Really can't answer your question untill you fill in a couple of blanks. | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | 6 cylinders or 8 cylinders? Really can't answer your question untill you fill in a couple of blanks. Valid point. If you're after a V8, same thing applies with the bellhousing, you'll need one from a Truck. '55-'59 are the same on V8 trucks. However, the '55 V8 would be a 265 WITHOUT an oil filter. The early 265s also have some oiling issues if the cam does not have the groove in the rear journal.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 28 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 28 | Thank you all very much. I can see now how naive and incomplete my question was. I was at the Palo Alto concourse this last weekend and there was an incredible '59 Apache being shown and I got re-energized to get my truck finished and on the road. I have had such a tough time finding a mechanic that will help me figure this out. My truck has had almost all of the body work done, which included a lot of elective surgery. The V8 that was in the truck was beyond help. With your suggestions I will go forth and start the research again and ask the question again with more info. Thanks again and I will tap you again in the near future.
Last edited by eightyeight; 06/28/2012 4:00 AM.
1959 Apache.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | Why not get a crate 350. You could dress it up to look like a 283 with a few mods. | | |
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