Did a search but could not find anything. Can anyone tell me if the rear of the bellhousing sits in the same position in a '63 Chevy for both a 230 six cylinder and a 283 V8 using the same bellhousing? I am wanting to get my drive shaft cut ahead of time. The six had a Saginaw 3 speed, and I am going to a Saginaw 4 speed with a 283. The difference in case lengths is 16" on the 3 speed and 21 1/2" on the 4 speed, which would mean I need to cut 5 1/2" out of the front driveshaft. However, before I do that, I need to make sure I am apples to apples on the length of each engine. (Yah, I know I should probably wait until the engine is in, but for time sake would like to do it at the same time) Thanks for any help,
All I know is if you have like a 68 Chevy pu truck and put a V-8 to the 6 cylinder bellhousing,the V-8 sits back more than a truck that was V-8 when new.
Just my opinion but the driveshaft would be the last thing I would cut after everything else was bolted up and in place. Money is getting tight lately.
My answers are based on a '65 C10 so I don't know if it applies to a '63 but would think so ? I replaced the 230 in my truck with a 283 using basically all the original 230 parts ( bell housing , clutch , z bar , motor mounts , etc. ) .The only exception being the the block mounted pivot ball from the 6 cylinder will not fit the V8 application and will require getting the appropriate one from a V8 . If your truck has the original bell housing cross member then the engine will be located appropriately . You indicated you have the short transmission ( as I do too ) but plan on switching to a later model fully synchronized 4 speed model . If so , it will be longer in length and the driveshaft will require shortening . The length of the V8 is obviously shorter than the 6 cylinder and will place the fan a little farther away from the stock radiator .I haven't found that to be a problem .But , I did have the stock radiator recored because of leaks . Hope this helps and if you have more questions , I'll be glad to help if possible . Good luck !
I replaced a blown 250 with a 305 in a 77 Nova. I didn't move the transmission. I did have more space between the radiator and the fan, so I added another fan spacer, with longer bolts.
He's dealing with a 58-64 "X" frame car with a two piece driveline. The bellhousing IS in the same spot, the transmissions are "shorter" (3-speeds and Powerglides), except for the 3-speed overdrive and 4-speeds as mentioned already. Any chance on locating the "correct" drive shaft from a 3-speed overdrive or 4-speed car? Try 348-409.com cl***ifieds (I'm guessing they have a cl***ifieds). Otherwise, you'll need to cut 3" out of the front shaft. I build aluminum Powerglides for the local bracket racers, and find the 25 inch long Glides all the time, FREE; no one seems to want anything other than the 28" long models. Some of the dragster guys will use a 25" Glide, or a shortie kit that makes them 18" long. Butch/56sedandelivery.
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