31 to 37 Chevy engine swap problems

I just bought a 1931 Chevy coupe that I thought was all original. Turns out is has a 1937 engine and transmission and a few things don't look right. The rear of the engine is about 1/4" from the firewall, the pedal holes don't line up with the old holes through the floor, and the bracket that supports the pedals looks like it is left over from ship salvage. No motor mounts -- bell housing bolts straight to the frame. The carb & intake are all wrong (sidedraft vs downdraft). I think the front of the oil pan is laying on a piece of redwood to shim it off the crossmember.

Are 31 and 37 engines even the same external dimensions? Is the driveshaft going to be wrong too? Can this thing be made right, or should I be looking for a 31 engine ? (Yes, I have a 454 i could put in it, but not on this one!)

Any help on this questionable old swap would be appreciated.

 

I'm not sure of the dimensions of the motor you need. But I do know the motor you have isn't right. You need a 194 c.i. I do know nothing will interchange between the 37 motor a 216 and the 194. If i remember right the size of the ****** is different in width and length. You could make the 216 work but I think you would have to use the driveshaft and rear for a 216 in order for everything to line up.

 

1931 Chevrolet used an updraft carburetor (Carter 150s)

1937 Chevrolet used a downdraft carburetor (Carter W-1 346s)

Jon.

 

31 chevy used an enclosed driveshaft, i'm not sure about the 37, but a stock 31 will have the driveshaft completely hidden inside a shaft tube.

 

Both the 31 and 37 use torque tubes. As mentioned, the 31 has a 194 engine in it. The 31 has mechanical brakes (levers and cables) and the 37 has hydraulic brakes.

I am in the same quandry about my 31. I have a good 37 driveline to install, but it will entail changing the front brakes to 37s so they will be hydraulic all around. The other issue in my case, its a rhd car, so the bellhousing wont work. I would have to change the car over to lhd. Normally I wouldnt think twice about it, but its rare and want to leave it alone.

There is a man on the post here selling a rolling ch***is for a 31, very nice with running motor. Do a search for 31 drivetrain. I had to p*** on shipping costs, but its sweet.

You can still do the update with the 37 if you desire, just have to fab some motor mounts and such.

 

I am looking for a complete 37 chevy drivetrain if anyone is looking to sell one. Renglade31@hotmail.com

 

I think the 36 and older sixes are longer then the 37 to 54s.