The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Engine swap

I bought a 1961 C-20 in February, a 235 with a 4-speed on the floor. Was having issues with getting it started. The PO said it ran. So from time to time between myself and a friend would try working on that and interior and exterior work, We finally gave up and started checking internal parts. Starting with pulling the valve cover, low and behold it had two bent rods and one jug had a hole in its piston. Is it possible to either swap it out with a later six or find these parts?

235's aren't scarce at all. There are still plenty of overhaul parts available, and good-running used engines can be found with very little effort. Just about any 235 from mid-1955 to 1961, car or truck, would be a bolt-in swap. Check Craigslist and/or Ebay, plus any local wrecking yards that might have older vehicles. Another option would be to find a 261 engine from a medium-duty truck from the late 50's/early 60's. The appearance of the two engines is almost identical, but they've got considerably more torque than the 235.

The 62-up engines, either 6 cylinder or V-8, have a different bellhousing bolt pattern and somewhat different motor mounts, so quite a bit of adapting is required to do an upgrade to a later-model engine.
Jerry

Just FYI, there is no such thing as a pre-62 SBC bellhousing. Hotrod Lincoln probably means post 62 inline sixes, and (all) small block V8s. (In '63 they went to the 230/250/292 series that share the sbc pattern.)

The mounts for a later six would work, I think, considering again the same year trucks also came with 283's. Around here at least, the 230's and 250's are often found running on craigslist for $100-200. They are good engines.

Be aware that in '68 they went to the sm465 truck four speed with the 5.125" bearing retainer. Your truck should have the SM420 with 4.68" retainer.

Chaz

Also, don't take my post the wrong way; I also think you should try to find a 261 or 235 first, but if you can't you could plug a 230/250 or SBC in. (And you could always go back to a 261/235 if you find one)

Chaz

the I6 engine change was 63 and up. 1962 used the 235 and 261; also used into 63 in some models
in the 1968 trucks and up the frt input brg retainer was enlarged which resulted in a larger dia bore in the bell housing
ron

Hey, I got it right the first time anyway, "post 62 inline sixes". I don't know why the "H" I put "62-up" right after that, though.

I've looked into it if I can find a set of pistons or at least replace the damaged one(s). I'm going to rebuild the block that I have. I'll look around to see if I can find a another working or rebuild-able block as a spare. I'm going to restore as much as possible. I'll be asking you and reading all the threads for ideas and assistance. Thanks!!!

You guys are killing me! Will a SM420 with the original bell housing bolt up to my 41 Chevy 1.5 ton utilizing the original starter and fly wheel from my 41. I do realize that he drive shaft will have to be lengthened, but that's the least of my worries. It was my understanding that the motor mount out of my 216 will retrofit to my new 261. And, that the rear motor mounts are the same. If these is not true, please give a lengthy explanation to this wrench fetcher. I'm beginning to suspect I'm in over my head. Thanx in advance, Marc

And to make matters worse, should I be on the big bolt page. This topic caught my eye without realizing I was on the 60-66 page.

If you want to have a driver and aren't looking to have something like you'd find in the glossy, slick hotrod pages of most of the magazines that are out there, you'd be better off finding the parts you 'll need to rebuild the engine you already have. When it comes time to reinstall it after the build, everything will mate up and it'll be a breeze. Any time you make changes, there is always something down the line that'll have you headscratching and costing more money. I've built over a half dozen custom Harley's, and several hotrod trucks and cars, but the most fun and the easiest build has been keeping the 64' original with it's simple 230, and 3 on the tree. I'm no "mekenik" and simple works for me best. Just my .02. The folks on this site are some of the greatest you'll ever run into, and will do just about anything to help you get and keep your ride on the road. Welcome, takes lots of pictures, and let us know how it goes with your project.
Tramp

I've found a 235 rebuild-able block, this ones numbers actually match to a '61 and just needs new rings and bearings. The old one matched up to 55-59 and was already bored .60 over. When I'm done I might rebuild that one as a spare.

Not trying to hijack the thread.

What is the latest year and biggest size of an inline six that will bolt in??

What year truck?

'63 & newer...292 inline six.