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engine swap

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Ronskie, Sep 16, 2012.

  1. Ronskie
    Joined: Sep 15, 2012
    Posts: 8

    Ronskie
    Member
    from Fontana

    i have a 41 chevy with a inline 6 , 216 and i want to swap it out with a V8 does anyone know what would be a easy swap for my car ??
     
  2. 56sedandelivery
    Joined: Nov 21, 2006
    Posts: 6,694

    56sedandelivery
    Member Emeritus

    Get a Ch***is Engineering catalog. It'll have the mounts you need. Plan on at least a new radiator, wiring (12 volt conversion), and open driveline conversion. The SBC engine is up to you, whatever you want; same with the transmission. I've done the swap to a 51 Chevrolet Business Coupe, it can't really be that different; perhaps a smaller under-the-hood area(?). Plan on exhaust manifolds, I don't know if anyone even makes headers for this swap. Butch/56sedandelivery.
     
  3. Ronskie
    Joined: Sep 15, 2012
    Posts: 8

    Ronskie
    Member
    from Fontana

    Thank you ill try the Engineering catalog , and was thinking that maybe i can get a nova rear end and transmission , but just wasn't sure where to start for the engine swap or if its worth it , the engine i have runs good just checking on pricing and doing some homework before i get things started !!! thanks for the help !!
     
  4. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,756

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    Chev V8 will bolt up to your transmission if you have the right case (there are 2 different ones, they are interchangeable). If you do this, suggest you use a low powered engine like a 305 or 283 and baby it off the line to save the trans and rear axle.
     
  5. Ronskie
    Joined: Sep 15, 2012
    Posts: 8

    Ronskie
    Member
    from Fontana

    wow thx again i am new at this web site and was trying to find my thread again it took awhile but got it , dont know if you will get this or not but would like to keep u as a friend if i have any other question that maybe u could help me with would appreciate it.. really help full
     
  6. Speed Gems
    Joined: Jul 17, 2012
    Posts: 6,925

    Speed Gems
    Member

    what are you planing to use for steering? The stock box and column of I.F.S. because if it's anything like the 40' chevy you'll be hard pressed to find any headers or stock manifolds to fit on the left side. Back in the early 90's i built a 40' chevy with my dad and nothing we tried worked. I think the only thing that might work is one off a 55' chevy that dumps out the front like the old ford Y blocks
     
  7. 56sedandelivery
    Joined: Nov 21, 2006
    Posts: 6,694

    56sedandelivery
    Member Emeritus


    Finding an adapter to do this is almost impossible. IF someone has swapped in a truck trans from around 49 or earlier (not sure of year truck, but p***enger cars went to the same trans to bellhousing pattern in 55) maybe. Now, there's an ad in the cl***ifieds that has the adapter (won't be there long after this post); search, "1955 Chevy 265 V8 and 3 speed ******"; notice the enclosed driveline coupler at the end ot the trans, because it had to be in a pre 55 p***enger car or early truck. That 265 had to have an awfully low CR, due to those later model heads on it, or had domed pistons; I wonder how it ran. And, to the member " Speed Gems", that company used to make the adapter, I had one and sold it to a HAMBER a while back. Butch/56sedandelivery.
     
  8. Speed Gems
    Joined: Jul 17, 2012
    Posts: 6,925

    Speed Gems
    Member

    I think the name Speed Gems was bought up by Bendtsens transmissions in Ham Lake MN. and if you contact them they may still have/make the adapter. http://www.transmissionadapters.com/ however my 49'chevy pickup had the old 216/w 3speed ****** and the guy that had it before me said it broke all the time so you probably don't want it anyway. I used a power Glide in mine but you could also use a TH350/400 and the crossmember is also sold by Ch***is Engineering
     
  9. geokid
    Joined: Oct 8, 2012
    Posts: 7

    geokid
    Member
    from florida

    Hello, If it runs good and drives good,save all the money and restore it cosmeteckly . And change it to 12 volt . I think the 6 cyl. is cool......GEO.
     
  10. I put a small block in my '40 when I was in high school a post '58 283, but I used a hurst mount instead of the side mounts. Easy swap.

    Now I am guessing that you are taling about the car in your avitar, I put an inline 292 in my '41 truck.

    Both of those were done 40+ years ago when you really couldn't buy a kit.
     
  11. Torchie
    Joined: Apr 17, 2011
    Posts: 1,099

    Torchie
    Member Emeritus

    I 2nd this post.
    When I was driving my 50 GMC panel truck I ran into a guy that had a 50 or 51 Chevy panel for sale that had a 305 bolted up to the original trans and torque tube driveline. His was a 4 speed floor shifter with a granny 1st gear.
     
  12. Another option woiuld be a late model 250 in line 6, now that would be a easy swap.

    These other guy's can help you better with what ******'s or adapters etc.

    The 250 for example, cheap, real peppy, fairly new and modern for the most part, still somewhat traditional, and plenty of go fast goodies to throw at it or just make her look cool.

    The 250-6 would probably go well with your current ****** and driveline, just don't hammer her too hard.
     
  13. I just switched my '40 to open drive and used a cheapo saginaw 3 speed.

    A friend is currently putting a 292 in his '41. its been a pretty easy swap so far.
     
  14. chubbie
    Joined: Jan 14, 2009
    Posts: 2,361

    chubbie
    Member

    any thing is possible:confused: but not that
     
  15. chubbie
    Joined: Jan 14, 2009
    Posts: 2,361

    chubbie
    Member

    V8 fits like the general had it in mind. trim out the trans xmember, set the engine and trans in.build or buy motor mounts. the nova rear is a good choice
     

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