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| | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 | I'm outing a 52 216 in my 49 gmc until I can get my 228 rebuilt... Problem is, the 216 is shorter than the 228 and the mounts don't line up. Has anyone done this type of swap before? Is there a kit out there for this? Please help... | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 | No simple fix... If your planning on using the 228 a 270 would fit better if you can find one in the mean time. Same size block and mounting.
Give me ambiguity
or give me something else
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Also 236, 248, 256, etc., same block.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Also 236, 248, 256, etc., same block; for that matter, 230, 250, 292, although bellhousing slightly different, pedals mount differently.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 | Unfortunately, my only option is the 216 and trying to make that work. I'm thinking of building a bracket to mount the front and using a spacer on the fan. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,107 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,107 | if you replace the front crossmember with one from a chevy it will bolt in. your fan will be 2" further away from the rad. and you'll need slightly longer hoses. you can make a plate to adapt the front mount. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 | Then you'll just need to swap it all back when the 228 is ready...
Is the 216 just a 'short term' transplant so you can drive for now? Or is this going to be how it runs for a few years? What you do now that has to be undone later only seems worth it if your waiting a while on the 228 to me...
Give me ambiguity
or give me something else
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 | Yes, the 216 is just short term until the 228 is ready. Probably wont be in there for more than a couple of months, but I want to be sure to have something substantial enough for Longer if necessary. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 | Do you think just a plate up front will work? It looks to me like the rear mounts do most of the work and the front just kind of rests there. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,107 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,107 | plate up front would work, ive seen um anywhere from crude to looking original. since its only going to be a couple of months depending how the rest of the truck is i could find lots of things to do with the engine,tranny and front end removed without going through the trouble of putting in a 216 short term  | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I have installed many Chev engines in GMC's by making a plate to move the front mounting position back enough for the Chev.
You will also need to modify the exhaust head pipe and throttle linkage.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I wonder if you can buy a plastic shroud for the fan. If so that would solve that problem.
Pre68 Dave,
how does the plate work? Do you just make it thick enough so it can't bend or do you put vertical flanges on it? | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Why not drive the 228 until you can get a 270 or 302 rebuilt? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I use a flat plate bolted to the original holes on the frame and extending back enough to catch the Chev engine.
The clearance for replacing the fan belt can be a little tight with the larger 235 balancer.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 152 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 152 | I have a 51 gmc that had a 216 in it. All they did was mount a plate with the proper offset on the holes and it worked great.
49 chevy 1-ton. It is a work in progress but it's getting close. 49 1 Ton Pics | | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 24 | Problem solved...built a plate that bolts on the bottom of the engine and bolts to the top of the motor mount, which is still mounted to the frame. Thanks for the help... | | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 | Some folks make everything harder than it really is.  Congrats on getting the 216 in. (Hey, you might like it.)
Professional Novice
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