V8/auto in a '61?

[sixbangr]

what would be the best donor to use to build this? Truck is bone stock 6 with a 3 on the tree. Disc brakes would be nice too. I like the way it looks, just want to be able to go any where with it.

[jocko]

if you want basic - then a 350/350 combo. Or for highway use, 350/700R4 combo (probably a preferred combo unless just gonna use it around town at non-highway speeds). Also depends on your rear geart ratio. If 3.08:1, could get away with TH350 on hiway - if 3.73:1 or higher (numerically) then you should opt for the 700R4 (imo). As for disks up front, several kits are offered (CPP, POL, etc) - and many folks take a 72 donor front crossmember to get 5 lug, disks, and pwr steering altogether. However, I do NOT know if that is possible on the 60-62 torsion bar front suspensions - anyone know?
Note that if you go "kit" you'll need to buy specifically for 60-62 models as they have the integral clutch hyd slave cylinder setup included.

[markeb01]

Here are a couple of threads that show how I did a similar swap on my 1960 GMC. The engine swap was done years earlier when the torsion bar front end was still being used, in case you don’t want to change to a coil spring suspension.

350/350 swap:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=369663

And post #15 on this thread shows an easy method to create a transmission crossmember that can be adjusted to fit, and attached to the factory mounting holes:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=crossmember

Here's the front suspension swap. This is probably the cheapest route to disc brakes, although it can be done in 5 or 6 lug with the original torsion bar suspension. It's just going to cost a lot more:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366828

[padresag]

Originally Posted by sixbangr

what would be the best donor to use to build this? Truck is bone stock 6 with a 3 on the tree. Disc brakes would be nice too. I like the way it looks, just want to be able to go any where with it.

you should be able to go anywhere that you want with an I6
ron

[aerotruk63]

Here, here Ron. I agree.