OK- I've searched the threads and don't see what I'm lookin' for. Anyone put a 350 TH auto behind a straight 6 in 54 Bel Air ? Looks easy enough.... Any problems or reasons NOT to ?? I wanna drive it daily to work (40 miles one way, mostly highway ) and thought about the T-5 swap kit. BUT - I have an good auto w/converter in the shop. So some ?'s I have are : How's it pull ? Is it a total slug off the line, does it cruise at 60-65 OK ? Any info - or links to previous threads would help out alot. Thanks !
I put a 250/TH350 in my 50 sedan. I used Ch***is Engineering mounts. You can also get them from Langdons Stovebolt. I made my own trans crossmember. Not a big deal at all. I did need to run a electric fan on the front of the radiator. Todd
If you use a 230 or 250 the turbo 350 is a bolt on deal. If you want to do it with a 235 you are going to have to find an adapter to hook up the trans to the engine. Thread with info on adapters http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464380 Either way it calls for a rear end change. Find a mid/late 70's Nova with a 250 and automatic as a doner and you have engine, trans and rear end all in one package.
Thanks, I was lookin' to open the driveline at the same time. I'm searchin' for threads on that as well. I should clarify, the car has the original 6 in it. I think it's the 230 ?? How close a fit is that Nova rear, width and all... ?
cruising, acceleration totally depend on the rearend you are going to use, not the trans. top gear is still 1:1. I think you need more research. You HAVE to go to an open rear if you put a th350 in. you HAVE to buy an adapter if you are going to keep the 235. 1963 was the first year for 230/250/292 family which do NOT need an adapter for a th350.
Should've said " I'm going to open the rear ." Sorry... but thanks. So I HAVE TO GET an adapter, I didn't know that. Thanks again. NOT BEIN' SMART ***Y, I really appreciate the info ! So mine's a 235 if it was built in 54. NOT a 230 ? Didn't know that either. I've never worked on anything this old with STOCK parts in it !! It was cherry so I got it !
If you are asking these questions you need to start at the beginning. its gonna take time for you to learn what you need to learn. Just search "235" and you will come up with DOZENS (if not hundreds) of threads dealing with everything you asked. All of this stuff has been described IN DETAIL here on the hamb. Start at the beginning and be prepared to spend some time because its all here - you just gotta learn it
If it's a 54 it is more than likely a full preasure 235 (good motor). If you want to go with a tH350, yes you need an adapter. Langdons has them. As stated ealier you will also need tho go to a open rear end. S-10 4x4, Nova ect. Todd
If you go T5, (recommended) you need a 55-up bellhousing and a s10 clutch disc. Everything else can stay factory in side the clutch. You can't mix starters from 54-prior and 55-up. Different tooth count.
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