Converting 66 stepvan to automatic
 

Well..here's one for the books..my wife said she couldn't part with the 1966 Shorty Chevy Stepvan I had for sale in the classifieds...and wants to go ahead with setting it up for festival catering....cool!!

I want to convert it from the 3 on the tree to an automatic. I dont want to spend a fortune, but I also want it to be just as reliable as it is now and not lose to0 much power (It is low geared now and weighs 4,000 lbs). It has a 6 cylinder engine that I believe is a 235 chevy? (Any quick way to tell?) The prior owner if I recall said it was a replacement engine from a slightly newer car. The tranny is original as is the driveline and rearend. Any wisdom greatly appreciated.

Love vintage metal. Now if I can just talk her into a sixties pickup.....

Re: Converting 66 stepvan to automatic
 

That 6 cylinder should be either a 230, a 250, or a 292. The last year for the 235 was 1962. Most likely it's a 230 or 250. A turbo 350 will bolt right up to either of these. Board member Bubba327 is bolting a turbo 350 to the 250 in his pickup, so he should be able to give you some detailed info on the swap on a 6 cyl. As for doing the conversion in a van, I'm not that familar with how they are setup to give any good advise. If you could post some pics , we should be able to help you thru it.

Re: Converting 66 stepvan to automatic
 

Hey Yoder CaptainFab is correct Bubba327 is or has done this swap and has some part#s posted, it starts at post 51
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...0&postcount=51

hope this helps you out.



Dave