I have a 1957 Chevy Napco truck (see avatar) with a 283 and 3 speed OD trans. Now that it is done, I would like to swap out the 283 with a 348 I have (1965), that I will re-build to a tri-power configuration. Also, I think I would like to install T5 trans at the same time. The 283 is my third engine and is just fine, but I just want a "W" motor, "just because." I was wondering if anyone has experience with this swap. It seems like the exhaust to steering box clearance is an issue. But, I think that the 348 was an option in 1958/59 trucks. So I'm wondering if there was something different about the exhaust or steering box for those years. Also, I think that the 348 should hook up to the V8 bell housing that I have now. And if that is true, then a T5 should mate OK? I'm guessing I may have to do something with the yoke/drive shaft though. Any thoughts would be great.Thanks, don
why wouldn't you stay with the stick/OD? I love those trannies. And it would be a very easy swap, too.
You can use the same flywheel, clutch ***embly, and there should be plenty of room for exhaust (not like in some p***enger cars, 55-57). I'd stick (no pun intended) with the same trans also, but they are weak. I once snapped the input shaft just leaving a stoplight "normally", with a 265 in front of it. It's a separate transfer case right? There should be no problem using a different trans then, but you have to change the yoke and possibly modify the driveshaft to the transfer case. Butch/56sedandelivery.
Yes, a truck block, last year of manufacture, I believe. According to the 348/409 site a good one to rebuild. The transfer case is divorced, ****er 23, stock NAPCO component for that year. don
A 1965 348 chevy engine? Maybe up to 1964 in a truck only. From Wikipedia: The first ever production big block V8 Chevrolet engine was the "W" series, released in 1958 for p***enger car and truck use. This engine was an Overhead valve design, with offset valves and unique scalloped rocker covers, giving it a distinctive appearance. The "W" series was produced from 1958 to 1965, with three displacements offered: 348 cubic inches (5.7 L), available from 1958 to 1961 in cars and through 1964 in trucks; 409 cubic inches (6.7 L), available from 1961 to 1965; and 427 cubic inches (7.0 L), available only in 1963. Website-interesting stuff: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Big-Block_engine My 2 cents worth and I'm A Chevy Drag Racing Fanatic.......
I have a 58/9 Big truck with a W in it. I'd take pics, but unless you like winter scenes, it won't do you any good at this time. (the snow is still overwhelming in my yard)
back in 65 I put a tri-power 348 in a 55 chevy wagon to tow my race car with, fit like it was born there.
I like the idea. It should fit wiothout too many troubles, worse case is you have to fab up some exhaust headers custom, but a stock manifold could probably be found to fit with the steering box. The T-5 will give nice shifting and one more gear. Your stock bellhousing may have a different size bearing retainer size. Not sure what size you have if it is the larger truck size I presume? I think you can get a ring to fit the space. Being a divorced ransfer case, your concern is just the length. T-5 should hold up to 348 if you drive reasonable.
My brother (since p***ed) once put a 348 with a BW 4 speed in his 57 Cameo, he really liked it. It fit well and worked well. He later tried a 427, and then a 6.5 turbo diesel. Let us know how it works for you. Them old Napco's are neat.
The W-engine was an option in the big trucks (grain trucks, dump trucks, COEs, etc); not available in the smaller trucks. A '65 date coded 348 would have been a replacement.
Thanks, great info. I expect to re-build the 348 soon. I'll have to "noodle" the 3 speed OD vs. T5. I feel better about the swap now, it appears to be a reasonable project.
Have you seen this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5LYTkRjdno Those inline 6's are real torque masters
Do you have an engine yet? I just went by the Kottkes' Bus Service garage (763-331-0590) in Andover on Friday, and they have an older bus for sale in the back lot that is marked as having a 348 if you are looking.
The engine is now just about ready, I intend to install it when it gets a little warmer here in Minnesota. I expect the header and steering box interference issue. I'm sure a few more things will emerge, but I think I will really like it when done. As usual, this was much more expensive than I thought, even though I did get an excellent deal on the machine shop work. don
348 was available in 60 and 80 series trucks in 1965. I think I would have done some mocking up to figure out the exhaust/steering solution before building the engine....but I expect you'll figure out something. Beautiful engine! I would not mess with the T5, it's a rather lame transmission for a *****in old 4x4. And you should be ok with the 3.90 gears and 4 speed if you have decent sized tires on the truck.
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