automatic transmission 1947

[47owner]

I have a straight 216 with 3 speed, I want to convert it to automatic.
Anyone have suggestions on a trans will fit without too much custom work?

[mr48chev]

Here is a link to an outfit that sells and adapter. the only thing that might be a rub for you is that it requires changing to 12 Volt to run the starter.
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...V8%20Style.htm

You might be able to swap a powerglide out of a Chev sedan from the early 50's or a hydromatic from a 54 Chev pickup to keep the closed driveline but finding one and then rebuilding it might be more trouble than it is worth.

You could swap in a tri 5 pickup rear end with that adapter and a turbo 350 and be set to go.

[47owner]

Thanks for the information. What year pick up could I find this in?

[kulturekat]

there was a bit in one of the truck magazines about a company called buffalo enterprises or something like that that sold adapters as well to run chevy 350s of th400 behind any straight six

http://www.inliners.org/buffalo/index.htm

[47owner]

THanks.

[47owner]

I'm having one hell of a time trying to find the trans. Any suggestions on changing out the entire engine. I may opt to change out the entire drive train. Any suggestion on which may work without to much custom work?

[dougw]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

You could swap in a tri 5 pickup rear end with that adapter and a turbo 350 and be set to go.

Unless you're a purist, you might consider a mild update to the 216. You could pull the whole driveline, engine to and including rear axle from a tri-five chevy. That's what my truck has. Before you install, swap in a 700r4 in place of the 3 or 4 spd. I think stoveboltengineco sells adapters. Classic inline with 4 spd automatic...., 70 mph all day, just make sure you have good brakes....sweet! The engine mounts would match up fine, adjust your crossmember and shorten the driveshaft is all.

[kulturekat]

The main thing to remember if you're swapping out drivetrains is you have front motormounts and the tranny mount most other engine tranny combos are going to mounted differently and just something to keep in mind.