i have no glue about chevy sixes ,its for a friend ,but what kind of transmisions fits a 216 , may a th400 is a bolt on ??
The only bolt on automatic is the original type Powerglide for 216-235 6's and the Hydramatic found in early 50's Chevy trucks.There are adapters available to bolt up a TH350 and maybe a 4 spd od auto.These adapters used to create problems,I believe that's solved. A truck stick bellhousing for a 216 or 235 will accept any 55 and up Chevy manual ****** like the 3 spds,Saginaw and Muncie car 4 spds and the T-5. If it's a car.A truck housing will bolt up but I'm not sure if a truck housing will work in a car ch***is?
Better off with a stick behind a 216 or 235. An automatic like the TH400 would **** up most of the HP made by a 216... You haven't said what this is for, but the 55-62 car and 48-62 truck bellhousings have the modern ****** bolt pattern and 4 11/16" center hole. Motor mounts and fork position make some better than others depending on what you are trying to put together. Need more info about the project...
This might be slightly helpful. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282098 As far as I know everything that bolts up to a 235 bolts to a 216 (I have a 235 engine with all the original 216 driveline behind it in my car).
What do i need to do if i have a 216 with a 3 speed but want to go automatic / powerglide preferbably... that adapter plate costs what 2 powerglides do then you still have to get the th350..
You either spend the money to adapt a modern auto trans, or you use an old auto trans, or you use a manual trans. The 58-62 iron powerglide used with the 235 engine will fit the 216. That's probably the best bet for a cheap auto trans. It's open driveline of course.
If you get the trans off of a 235 it will have the factory adapter,I do know of a 60 chevy with a 235 and powerglide in a local junkyard but it would be real fun trying to get it out.
yeah, if you get all the stuff that was used with the powerglide in it's original home, it should go right on your 216. you'll need the flexplate (flywheel), adapter, starter, linkage, driveshaft, etc. You will need to change the rear end to an open driveline version, and change the rearend mount on the springs so it won't pivot. They used the TH350 in Vegas....a TH350 (or even a 400) will not use too much power, it mostly just takes a percentage, like any other transmission.
Doesn't the 53-57 Powerslides also fit up to 235's? 53-54 should be closed drivelines, later are open types.
The 50-62 iron powerglides should all bolt up, I think the odds of finding a cheap/free one that works ok would be better if you look for a 58-62. They seem to be worth their weight in annoyance...and are often free...
very good!! this is great info... I am thinking about useing a 350turbo trans, but it looks like i need a 350$ adapter, or have to make it.. I keep hearing that the powerglide is a wasteof time and money, and I should utilize the newer trans.. What do you think?
just picked up a late 1950's powerglide.. It had the v8 adapter but i found a straight six adapter that fit great.. but the bell housing bolts don't all line up, and the position of the starter is way off.. Are there 2 different bell housings? v8 ans six?
That makes sense.. I have already converted to open drivel line and have 1955 Chevy rear. Its a custom ch***is so anything fits.. But i really like the 216 aspect to be different. all i need now is the correct bell and Iam good.
ive been told a toyota 5 speed is a good fit couple local 235's here in adelaide have them. dont really know how easy it is though, Brad
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