Technical 53 Chevy V8 swap

Hi guys. Just weighing up some options on my newly acquired 53. I am unsure whether or not a V8 conversion is the correct way to go. The additional power would be nice but a hopped up 6 is a bit more unusual. I am trying to keep to a bit of a budget and was wondering if anybody had any experience with a V8 swap in these in regards to a sort of overall cost and the work involved. Any help would be appreciated, thanks

 

if you decide to stay with "6" just do not plan on flying down the highway, unless you do some drivetrain mods. universal motor mounts, etc for V8 swap available through speedwaymotors.com and others.

 

I did one in 1964. 58 Chev 283 I got for s**** and a Muncie 4speed I bought from Tom Lieb. 1956 Chev rear. As I remember we drilled new holes in the spring perches to line it up in the center of the wheel well. Used a Hurst front mount, a piece of plate for the rear mount on to the stock frame crossmember, and a chain to pull back on the clutch fork. Did not weld anything all bolted in. I miss that car and would do it again in a heart beat.

 

There's a ton of information both here on the HAMB, and over on ChevyTalk.Org. We did a 51 Bus Coupe. The only issue with the stock transmission cross-member, is it sits too high, and most guys will make a drop-out center piece that also lowers it some. The other issue is the exhaust manifolds. There's a lot that will "work", there's a few that will work "better". We used the 96 Caprice Cop Car L-99, Baby LT1 exhaust manifolds with some slight modification. They are essentially a cast iron header (D-ports). But, the later style six, the 194-215-230-250-292 family of sixes will be a good compromise over the stock six/V-8 swap. Plenty of power, and easy to find parts/performance parts for. I happen to have a conversion setup that allows use of the stock 3 speed currently in the cl***ifieds I decided not to use when the nephew wanted to go V-8 with the 51 Bus Coupe; it includes everything to connect the two.
I am Butch/56sedandelivery..

 

...don't touch the outside..but do change out that 6 for a v8..nice car you have.

 

First question is what kind of six do you have and what is the matter with it? A 53 could have the good engine with insert bearings and full pressure oiling if it is Powerglide equipped or if the engine has been changed.

If the engine is running decent why not leave it alone until you get a few other things taken care of?

Now as to an engine swap there are 2 ways to go. If you have a manual trans it is possible to mate a V8 to the stock drive train using the correct combination of Chev parts. But, the drive train is marginal for that much power. It should be ok if you baby it, if you want to burn rubber away from every stop light it won't last long.

The other alternative is to replace engine, trans, driveshaft and rear axle. Because of the torque tube drive it's all or nothing.

Personally I would keep the six if I could. Unless you are floating in money it might be the wisest course.

Incidentally any Chev six up to 1962 will fit and they are not very difficult to rebuild.

 

One alternative no one ever mentions is the 4.3 V6. It will bolt up the same as a V8 and does not have enough power to kill the trans or rear end, while it does have enough power to go along with, and better mileage than a V8.

 

If you do a v8 swap dont do a sbc. Maybe like an olds rocket would be neat


What'cha got in there, kid?

 

Don't see where the six would be a problem getting the car down the road some really cool 6 cylinder parts out their and some different intakes. A good cam and that will be a cool ride. People get on the v8 thing all about power unless you are building a race care your not really flying any place. A little hop up and a six will even work some A/C and power steering . A over drive trans is a good up grade. Good luck on witch ever way you go.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I gonna keep the six for now anyway and get it running. Tried to start it today and it does seem a bit slow turning over and a bit of shuddering through the engine. Gonna go back out in a bit (rain stopped play haha) and try get it running. If the engine doesn't run or something is wrong with it it might force my hand on the V8 change. Not sure what the engine is in it. Trying to find some information. I got the casting number but can't seem to find it on any lists so I'm going to recheck it. It also has the smaller side cover plate and I've conflicting info as to whether that makes it a 216 or 235. An olds rocket engine would be so cool to put in if I could find one.

 

Any of the early GM v-8 would make a great swap and all have been done over the years. If you are on a forced budget then your options will quickly dwindle as the early engines will be expensive to rebuild. Mid-60's and 70's gm engines will be a bit less costly.

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