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| | | Forums66 Topics128,130 Posts1,056,720 Members48,454 | | 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!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 | im rebuilding a 43 firetruck and the motor from 43 is crap and was wondering if there was any difference in ones from 51 | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Only a purest could tell from the outside. Inside the rods became narrower in 1948 so the crank and rods will not swap. There is more but I will start there.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 | but for me to change tranny and motor from the 43 to the 51 i shouldnt have any issues? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,236 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,236 | Thunderbolt, where did you find engine components? I am trying to find pistons, rods etc since i am rebuilding a 216 from 51 | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Easy swap, bellhousing and flywheel will bolt right up. The timing plate may not be drilled for the truck front mount but that is easy to drill.
On another note, a Fire truck in 43 most likely had a splash 235 originally. Going to a 216 will be going backwards on power.
If you are not worried about keeping the original engine I would recommend a full pressure 235 or a 261.
Just reread your second post. Engine is no problem, going to a 51 transmission would be a problem
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 | It original motor is a 216 3 speed manual which took a crap so I found a 216 from 51 I want put in not using any old tranny or motor from43 | | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 35 | Ndkid I found couple places that have motor parts from diff years ill get them together and sent them to u tomorrow | | | | | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,001 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,001 | I purchased all my 216 engine parts from Egge. But, I did not need new rods. | | |
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