The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Upgrading to a V8 350

I'm considering upgrading my truck to a 350 with an automatic transmission.

Is there a general consensus on which route I should take. Money is a factor. I was considering doing the S-10 Frame Swap but I was thinking, I don't mind the rough ride of the leaf springs personally. So is there any other drawbacks to taking the 235 out and dropping a 350 in?

Your steering box is going to be in the way, you will also have issues with the exhaust manifold/header on the drivers side. It can be done but its not going to be cheap. Do some more research before you make up your mind.

I have looked online but part of my research is not reinventing the wheel. If y'all have a place that spells these options out that would be great.

Try the HiPo forum of this site.

Some people just cannot leave their trucks half way original. Always an automatic. I guess some cannot drive a manual transmission. oh well.

I'm driving it w 3 on a tree now...it's just easier w an auto

FPMnky, its your truck so your free to do what you like and what your pocket can afford and use what parts you have.
I went the V8 route in my panel because the rest of it was pure tee junk. I used what I had, straight axle with power steering, 305 engine and 350 tranny. Changed the torque tube out for a different pumpkin. it was that or the crusher so I figure I saved at least one Stovebolt!
Check out my photobucket and feel free to ask question if you like by PM.... and in the driveline. There is some cost involved but it don't have to break the bank. Guys here will help you a long and offer advice along the way. Good luck.

There are lots of trucks forsale that already have the options your looking for. Its sometimes cheaper to just do that, less trouble and saves a relic too boot.

Here's what I did & kept the straight axle.

use a dropped tube (TransDapt) SBC engine mount for your truck
buy the power steering conversion kit
buy the disc brake conversion w/ firewall mounted master kit (makes exhaust routing easier)
buy the 1 inch tie rod/ tie rod end kit and the 1 1/8 in. stabilizer bar kit
buy the trans crossmember for whatever trans you select

You'll have a nicely re-powered truck and an upgraded steering/brake/suspension
to handle it without frame conversions, etc...

I did all of the above with 455 Buick instead of an SBC. Steers with one finger and stops on a dime with leaf springs all around.

You can reverse the exhaust manifolds from a SBC 265 (if you can find them) and that will give you steering box clearance. SBC are like belly buttons. Everyone has one!!

ya know you can get alot of horsepower out of a 235 and shock the hell out of a lot of people.....I have a 46 chevy 1/2 ton and I removed the original 216 and I built a 235 with close to 400 horsepower backed to a t-5 transmission and a 9 in ford rear, and didnt have to do any modifications except for the rear and the brakes upgrade, I even still have the foot starter.......I was at a street race lately and everyone thought it was a joke, and I went up against a 73 camaro,and smoked him, I got back to the line and people were asking alot of questions about my motor......just sayin....... dont need to go the v-8 route to have the power.....

No, you don't have to reverse the 265 exhaust manifolds, you just use the driver side one on driver side, it dumps out between first 2 cylinders and avoids the steering box. At least that's how my 265 manifold is made. The driver side is the issue. If you've got room, ramshorns are nice too and don't require any maintenance, but they dump in middle (closer to steering box). You could likely use about anything on passenger side.

Your right, but he also said he was on a budget, can't imagine how much that cost you....