The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop engine upgrade for 54 Chev

I would like to upgrade the engine in my 54 chevy pickup which has the original 235. I've heard that chevy small block V8s are a good fit but I don't know how to go about finding one, what years are most compatible and the best value, and what I should look for to make the conversion work smoothly. I'd greatly appreciate any and all advice to help me get this project done as smoothly as possible.

Thanks

Lots of modifications are needed for a v8 swap. The stock steering box is in the way of the exhaust manifold, requiring relocating a power steering box, commonly a bit to the left of the original position. There are kits available which require some welding to the frame. Next you will need to come up with a v8 engine mount bracket and a transmission mount bracket. Next you will need an open drive shaft rearend and and a drive shaft that fits. You will need to weld spring perches to your new rearend. I am absolutely certain that I am leaving out many more modifications needed. I see many AD v8 swap projects abandoned due to biting off more than one can chew.
A professionally rebuilt 54 235 with a highway-friendly rear gear ratio will give you plenty of the power and allow you to keep up with traffic on the highway without relining.

I'm not sure that taking out an original full pressure 235 engine and replacing with an incorrect engine is an "upgrade". At least one bolter has gotten his six cylinder powered truck up to 100 mph. But do as you wish, lots of others have done it. Check into the HiPo shop for more ideas.

StephenB, I've been there. It can be done without much pain but there are some things you MUST do. I see your retired so you have the time. Plan it out, put it on paper and then decide.

....if you want take a look at my photobucket for pics of the steering/powersteering, motor mounts(those are the easy part) and so on. If you have any questions drop me a PM.....oh, but I didn't have a running driving vehicle!! Far from it!!

Thanks all for the great advice, maybe I'm better off than I realized. My 235 has full compression and last year the tranny went out and I had the gearbox upgraded while keeping the 3 on the tree. So It'll hit highway speed - just wanting more hp. Maybe there are cheaper and easier ways to do that. My biggest problem is that I don't know what I don't know so any and all suggestions are appreciated. I'll post some pics of my baby if I can figure it out.
Thanks again!

What "upgraded" transmission do you have?
What rear end do you have?

The only transmission swap that will increase top speed is overdrive.

The transmission shop rebuilt the transmission with a 3:55 gear from Patricks and replaced the gear box, shift linkage and shift lever.

Patrick's 3.55 gears are in the rear diff, I have those too.

Sounds like you are ready for a fully restored 235 to get what you are looking for. Cost is somewhere between $2,300 and $3,000 depending on how much assembling you are willing to do.

Would dual headers give me a horse power boost and what is that install like?

It will be interesting to read what others say the horsepower increase you might get from dual carbs and/or from dual exhaust.

I would guess you would get as much or more horsepower increase from changing to a 261 cam (higher lift) or swapping in a 1956 or newer head that has "858" as the last three digits in the casting code (a higher compression head).

Maybe just beef up the compression. The 858 head and a thinner gasket? Cam swap? I don't see how more carbs will help. We had a circle track car with a 2 barrel make 500hp. Maybe free up the exhaust for more top end. Just a few ideas. Good luck, which ever way you go.

500hp from a 235?

You might get a little out of it, but doing the 261 cam and the higher compression head as Tim mentions will go further. If you do with the duals, be prepared to do some grinding to make them fit. Otherwise, they mount up the same as the stock single exhaust manifold does.
If you can't find the later style head, your stock one can be milled to bump up the compression, but you;ll want to find a machinist that knows these engines to do it so that too much isn't taken off.

Hahaha 500hp 235. I never said that. It was a 500hp 355. Maybe a 1hp per ci is possible. It's all in the head and compression. Velocity=hp. You could have 14:1 compression but if your cam and heads can't get the fuel and air into and out of the cc it does you no good. Get a good head and cam. Cheapest hp. Plus more rpm for your freeway cruising.

Great suggestions guys, thanks. Sounds like swapping the head is the easiest, way to get a little more out of the old gal.