Anybody know if the bolt pattern is going to be similar to the 216 chevy? Also what are my options on manual transmissions for a 302. I would really like a floor shifter. help would be appreciated.
I take it you mean a GMC 302. The bell housing pattern is the same on GMCs as on 216-235-261 Chevies, but the flywheel is GMC only. If you're sticking with the stock rear end in your '49, you're also stuck with either the stock '49-'54 three speed, or a $400 closed driveline conversion kit from Patrick's to adapt a more modern Saginaw transmission to it.
I believe in 1966 only, GMC made an adapter plate for new trucks so they could have the 302 V6 with a TH400 ****** on them. I wonder if that plate could be used to mount up a newer style transmission? Also, I think it's AWESOME that you are going to use a 302 GMC in that car. Just keep in mind that they are low revving, high torque motors, so gear it like it's gonna have a diesel in it.
The 216-235 pre 1954 ****** will have a totally different bolt pattern than the one on the 302, the 302 ****** bolt pattern is like the 55 and up manuel ****** pattern. You can use a GMC ****** with your existing torque tube but beware as some tourque tubes have a large spline and a small spline so then you would have to change tail shafts, it is not a hard process. I have done this a few times hopefuly I have not confused you more. Good Luck WeedsSpeed
you can put the 49 216 bellhsg and ****** on the 302. not the flwheel though i believe thats 302 only. the 302 is 1-1/2" longer than the 216. you will need to adapt the front mounts and move the rad forward. this is old school stuff.a powerglide rear would help out some on the gear ratio.
Thanks everyone. SoI wonder if its wise to leave the rear end stock for now if im keeping my 216 ******.
I have a friend in Nth Ca who has a 261 for sale, and this will bolt into your car. Why not save some $, do a 261, and a 4 speed closed saginaw, and a 3.55 rear end, then you'll have the best of all worlds - speed and style. BTW I have the method to put a 235 crank into a 216, so you can go full pressure on the early engine to be real authentic, if you must.
It all bolts together using stock parts. On 302 GMCs, 2 crank flange patterns are used, with the 6 bolt '54 up preferred. You'll want a '53-'54 Chev p***enger car trans for the needle brng. cluster, & a 3.54 axle. If you drive this combo very much harder that average daily driving, it'll tend to eat parts, so stock up on axle shafts, u-joints, & a spare trans or two. While you're at it, go with '51 up front brakes. A '54 Powerglide parts car is what you want as the steering box is worth changing, too. The trans won't be hard to find separately, watch the cl***ifieds here.
Shoot me a PM with your email address, and I'll email the how-to. Its ***led - Growing a 216 - the solution. The engine for sale - Santa Rosa.
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