So I've decided to ditch the worn out 235 in my '53 and put in a 350. I found a great running 350 out of a '78 suburban. I've also found a newly rebuilt powerglide trans to put behind it. I've never ran a powerglide before and have a few questions. The car is going to be my daily driver. Most driving will be around town with the occasional trip to Portland (about 180 miles). The 350 will be basically stock with the exception of a new carb and intake (probably edelbrock). I haven't found a rear end for the car yet and am open to any and all suggestions for something that will be the right width and gear ratio for my set up. What should I look for?
Its a 53 chevy belair. I have found that camaro rearends and s10 4x4 rears work well. Good luck tricky53. Maybe i can help on that
I did a '57 Chev (4 door).. but the ratio isn't a good one for me. I'd go with the S10 (4x4). I was told it was geared for highway driving, but I have a 350 and a TH350 and I sure could use an O.D in that thing. Great for around town tho'.
The racers love Power Glides but in your case I would sell the 'Glide and use a 200R4 from 1988-93 these are overdrive and non-computer and being narrower will be an EZ and better fit for your swap.
I used the rear out of a 55. Width was fine and with a pair of Posies springs, it was a bolt in. Mine has a 3.55 ratio which works great with my 200-4R ******. Not absolutely sure, but I think 55-57 Chevy rears are the same.
Thanks for the responses.Well, looks like I'll use an S10 out of a 4x4. Thanks yetiskustoms, I need all the help I can get.
Not sure on the rear end, but agree with JeffB2, ditch the power glide for a TH350 or 200R4. Especially if you are going to be doing a lot of around town (stop and go) driving. Dumping the PG for a TH350 was the best thing I ever did on my 37GMC.
I picked up the PG that has been completely rebuilt for the cost of a core trans. I'm gonna use it for now so I can at least be driving my car for the summer. I'm on the lookout for a th350 that I can rebuild and swap into the car later. The cars has been off the road for about 10 months, I've got to get her back on the road ASAP! My goal is in time to drive up to the Rose City Roundup!
what he said unless your racing skip the glide gear ratios for s 10 4x4 check the glove box for option codes GU4 is a 3.08 1983to 1997 GU6 is a 3.42 GT4 is a 3.73 89's had a HO4 that is a 4.11 if its a zr2 its a 81/2 ring gear 3.73 ratio w/o zr2 its a 3.42
Can't believe it, scored a 235 and 3 speed out of a '55 chevy car so now the powerglide is for sale. I think one of the guys in my club wants it so....I'm not ditching my 6!
My 54 has a rear out of a early 70s, Nova or the Pontiac equivalent. Note that the stock 53 rear has offset spring centerbolt holes.
Thanks, I ended up getting an S10 4x4 rear end that I'm gonna use for it. Everyone says its a good rear end that will be the correct width and will well enough.
how far off center are the axle/ leaf pins? is it something that can be redrilled in the pad to move the axle forward?? ( s10 rear axle on stock 53 springs)
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