Hey Gang, Got some super-sad news today about poor miss Faye. I noticed a peculiar and ominous sound coming from my engine on the way back from FNSRA and had my Dad take a look today. The news is bad as he thinks I have a rod knocking... I'm totally heartbroken. I was hoping to postpone the engine swap until the fall but it looks like it's going to have to happen much sooner. I don't have the money for this to happen right now, but I'm gonna have to figure it out cause being without my favorite car is not an option! I need some HAMB advice since I have to find an engine... Right now I've got a stock 216 in the car (51 chevy). Since I'm pulling this engine, I'm going to do the 12 volt conversion and rewire the car. I don't want another 216 (tooooo slow) and I'd like for the swap to be as painless as possible. I may have access to two different V8's but I understand that going this route will mean more modifications like changing out the exhaust. My car is currently an automatic and I want to keep it that way. I'm not keeping this transmission and I want to use the current column and stock gear selection setup also. So... two questions... 1. What setup will be the best and most powerful (with SOME thought about MPG) with the least amount of hassle getting it in the car? 2. Anyone have leads on suitable used replacements (engines+trans) that aren't too terribly far away from me here in Baltimore? Any help is appreciated. Stacey
Put a 235 in it. It will have a pressure system and run at higher speeds. Your car has a 3:55 rear gear now ( I think ).
Sixes SUCK! You will never regret using a 350 engine. You can use a 350 turbo or better yet an automatic with overdrive.
Vega motors will fit real easily! (Just kidding...leave the Crazy Shit to professional Whack-o's!! ) Sorry to hear about Faye's condition...ya done good to nurse that 216 along THIS far...no small feat considering their horrible fragility!! I thought of damn near EVERY engine combination that would be cheap and easy in one of these cars, and went off the Deep End personally (I don't really care about power!), but I did come up with several cool ideas along the way! Starting with the EASIEST, a 1954 or later full-pressure oiled 235 would live a little longer, but wouldn't be much more powerfull. However, it'd be a pretty easy swap. Now, my next few suggestions will involve a conversion to an open drive trans and rear axle, UNLESS you locate a 47-54 Chevy closed drive truck trans and bolt it to a bellhousing for the given engine and fab up some clutch linkage. That should work, and will leave your column shift in tact. Don't quote me, though...but I think it would work, though I have yet to try it. At any rate, a Camaro/Nova axle from 67-81 will fit your car with the same wheel bolt pattern and will probably have mileage-friendly gearing. A TH350 trans would be the best bet for the following engine options as well. You will need a new radiator and will have to adapt shift linkage, throttle controls, etc...but you already knew that, eh? Okay, a 250 or 292 straight six can be squeezed in...they are more modern and run forever...but they're not huge in the power department, either. They are a pinch LONGER, so radiator to fan clearance gets kinda tight. Then's there's always (I can't believe I'm SAYING this!) a (gulp, moan) small block Chevy...it will require possible heater box mods and firewall hackery...along with real tight exhaust clearnce on the driver's side...but they are quasi-reliable and popular enough so that they can be had cheaply! Outta the question for ME, but might be an option for you? If you're GONNA go with a 'modern' V8, might I suggest a 307-350 or 403 Oldsmobile? They are torquey, cheap and just won't DIE! I'd have run one if I hadn't sold my big old land cruiser with the 307 before I got my 49 Chevy! They'll fit about as well as a small block Chevy, but up the "cool factor" a few points if ya ask me! Another one I'd consider if contemplating modern V8 power would be the 350 Buick. It's kind of it's own little animal, but it's ultra light (about 450lbs vs a small chevy at 575lbs) and the distributor is up front for easy access. They run smooth as silk, but aren't quite as bulletproof as the Olds or Chevy small blocks. Hope it gives ya fuel for thought!
This whole thing is making me nauseated... It's just so horribly depressing. I feel like my dog died. I'm leaning toward the 235 at the moment cause it seems like the easiest swap, now I just need to find a decent one in these parts... If worse comes to worse, I'll look at the V8's but I know it means more work which means less time DRIVING! I hate being without my car... Stacey
considering the style of your car, i presume you're gonna keep all the accessories etc. on it...i would go with a 235, hot rod it a bit. deon't be too quick to write off the old 216, you might be able to pull the pan, and just redo the bad bearing. get you by for the time being.
definitely the 235. It sounds like you really like the car, so don't reinvent the wheel. I took my 235 out and did the small block deal. Hack said it right. It's an all or nothing deal. It requires an open driveline rear end, driveshaft, trans, tranny crossmember work, everything. It worked out all right, but I basically built a new car by the time I was done. There's hundreds of little problems to overcome when doing the swap.
Don't give up on the 216 yet, these are pretty tough. If it is still has the babbit bearings, it will have shims between the rod and the cap. Removing shims will eliminate the knock in that particular rod. If there are no shims, the rod caps can be filed down to make a tighter fit. These procedures are decribed in detail in an original service manual...which I would recommend finding if you don't have one. Brian
check this link for some for sale under parts for sale http://www.hmccc.50g.com/forsale.html ....I seen a 235 for $75..worth a look...I think because almost any engine swap you do will cost as $$$ other than than the 235 or I think there was a 261 also but I am not sure of that...I think you do the 235/or the one up that will boilt in ..if your trans and cooling system is working fine that would cost minimal very little down time and you would not get bummed and get to hate the car as it could eat you up with one thing after another till it was back on the road "unless money is no object" It's your decision so don't let anyone talk you something you can't afford or Faye could soon become your very needy friend and you could get to be very bummed ...think carefull and plan for the more power conversion one step at a time....fatchuk
......I've got an inline 6 from a late 80s Chevy truck. It was a good low milage motor that was pulled for a V8 swap. It's outside covered up. If you want it you can have it. Clark
hey, darlin' hang in there! now, if i was you, and i ain't but ifn' i was i'd run a 235. if set up right and with the right rear end they'll run at 75mph all day long. nothing to change, no new motor mounts or tranny mounts, nuthin'! exhaust will bolt right up, buttercup... see 'ya... nic
another vote for the 235 here.somebody's bound to have one laying around they aren't using.i have a spare myself,but i'm too far away for you.
i would go with a hot rodded 235 ('59 and newer), turbo 350 trans and a rear from a '57 chevy (should bolt right in to springs).
I've got a call into Lokey. I'm waiting on his call to see if the 235 he had is available. I will also call Jim Lissio to see about the 235 that is in the 55 that was at the Pie Run. I can get a 307 and a powerglide and if we fail to find a 235 it may be time for complete frame redo crossmember,11" brakes,wireing,lowering ect. maybe grandpopper will help with the cost. Dad
Yea, I'd have to say that the paint is gonna have to wait a while... It's far more important that the car has an engine that ISN'T GONNA BLOW UP AT ANY SECOND! I'm sure it will all work out and appreciate all the help. I'm going to call that guy on the 235 and see if he still has it. You guys are the best. Stacey
Good luck sweetheart. I feel for ya, I was one and a half summers without a ride and I thought I was gonna die. Too bad your not closer, Fat Hack and Dirty T would have a replacement engine, and trans, in Faye overnite..... one that they delivered in their hatchback.
Sorry to here about Faye. Give her my regards, and all the best to her family. These are trying times, but with the right support she'll pull through fine.
[ QUOTE ] hey, darlin' hang in there! now, if i was you, and i ain't but ifn' i was i'd run a 235. if set up right and with the right rear end they'll run at 75mph all day long. nothing to change, no new motor mounts or tranny mounts, nuthin'! exhaust will bolt right up, buttercup... see 'ya... nic [/ QUOTE ] sounds like it will fit right in
That engine link you sent me was GOOD! He's got the engine and is holding it for me until I can go get it next week. It's out of a 55 Chevy truck, runs and is complete. They guy wanted to put in a V8 instead so the 235 is going cheap. I can't ask for better than $75! Thanks for the link! Stacey
your very welcome....to bad you wern't closer I would install it for you that job should should be in and down the road in one day with ease...and it will serve you well till you can plan for the more power upgrade when time and finances are more to your choosing....best of luck.....fatchuk
to put the 235 in u dont have to convert to open drive line. just use the 216 bell housing,clutch and fly wheel. they all bolt right up to the 235. and i have any 216/235/261 part u will ever need so pm me of your missing any goodies. i am stove bolt god!!! muahahahha Bryan
[ QUOTE ] to put the 235 in u dont have to convert to open drive line. just use the 216 bell housing,clutch and fly wheel. they all bolt right up to the 235. and i have any 216/235/261 part u will ever need so pm me of your missing any goodies. i am stove bolt god!!! muahahahha Bryan [/ QUOTE ] Ha Ha ...he ain't kiddin!!! You oughtta SEE this dude's house...like a Shitbolt Graveyard!!!
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