?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

vwjohnny · 04-22-2009, 10:13 PM

Hello again fellas.
I'm having some issues with my GMC 270 powerplant (mostly due to the fact that it sat for several years). Basically having a hard time finding parts and that they are expensive. Now dealing with a blown head gasket and cylinder scoring. I've spent the last few days searching only to come up empty. Anyways, my question is this. How hard would it be to drop a Chevy 350 into this truck? Could I mate it up to my existing 3 speed? Not looking to run this truck at the drags. Just need it to get my dirt bike to the desert, pick the kids up at school, and run to the store for a gallon of milk. I want an engine in it that is reliable and that I'm able to get parts for. All help appreciated!

stan3018 · 04-22-2009, 10:18 PM

get a 350motor with a 350 tranny .that will be ur best way to go. getit from craiglist.com you cant find alot of cheap stuff their...good luck

OrrieG · 04-23-2009, 12:33 AM

Since they came with SBC it is a bolt in deal. You will need to deal with throttle linkage, clutch bellhousing and linkage if you keep the manual transmission or transmission mount (easy) if you go with an auto. Lots of threads here on the swap. You might also look at stovebolts.com too, they have good info on the swaps. I would go with a 350/350 with a tranny built for towing like you want to do.

Nice truck BTW.

dwcsr · 04-23-2009, 12:19 PM

before you do look over on webrodder.com they have some guys that are real good with big six's. Egg machine would have parts.
As long as its repairable its worth a few bucks.

vwjohnny · 04-23-2009, 04:36 PM

350 with an auto is my goal. Just wondering whether or not I can do a little at a time. Would rather not start a full on custom project right now as I somehow seem to have to many. This is why I am wondering whether or not I can match the existing 3 speed with a new v-8. It looks like I can. Thanks for the "stovebolts" link. I am finding some GREAT info there and I've barely scratched the surface.

dwcsr · 04-23-2009, 08:10 PM

You will need a V8 Bell with side mounts on it 55-67 chevy for the swap. Possibly a driveshaft.

vwjohnny · 04-23-2009, 08:59 PM

Yep I am learning all about the bell. But a driveshaft? I know probably a driveshaft in the future if and when I go auto. But if I keep the 3 speed? These are definitely the kinds of things I need to know. Do tell.

04-22-2009, 10:13 PM	#1
vwjohnny Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 52	?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap Hello again fellas. I'm having some issues with my GMC 270 powerplant (mostly due to the fact that it sat for several years). Basically having a hard time finding parts and that they are expensive. Now dealing with a blown head gasket and cylinder scoring. I've spent the last few days searching only to come up empty. Anyways, my question is this. How hard would it be to drop a Chevy 350 into this truck? Could I mate it up to my existing 3 speed? Not looking to run this truck at the drags. Just need it to get my dirt bike to the desert, pick the kids up at school, and run to the store for a gallon of milk. I want an engine in it that is reliable and that I'm able to get parts for. All help appreciated! Attached Images

04-22-2009, 10:18 PM	#2
stan3018 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: bronx ny Posts: 167	Re: ?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap get a 350motor with a 350 tranny .that will be ur best way to go. getit from craiglist.com you cant find alot of cheap stuff their...good luck

04-23-2009, 12:33 AM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: ?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap Since they came with SBC it is a bolt in deal. You will need to deal with throttle linkage, clutch bellhousing and linkage if you keep the manual transmission or transmission mount (easy) if you go with an auto. Lots of threads here on the swap. You might also look at stovebolts.com too, they have good info on the swaps. I would go with a 350/350 with a tranny built for towing like you want to do. Nice truck BTW. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

04-23-2009, 12:19 PM	#4
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: ?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap before you do look over on webrodder.com they have some guys that are real good with big six's. Egg machine would have parts. As long as its repairable its worth a few bucks. Last edited by dwcsr; 04-23-2009 at 12:20 PM.

04-23-2009, 04:36 PM	#5
vwjohnny Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 52	Re: ?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap 350 with an auto is my goal. Just wondering whether or not I can do a little at a time. Would rather not start a full on custom project right now as I somehow seem to have to many. This is why I am wondering whether or not I can match the existing 3 speed with a new v-8. It looks like I can. Thanks for the "stovebolts" link. I am finding some GREAT info there and I've barely scratched the surface.

04-23-2009, 08:10 PM	#6
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: ?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap You will need a V8 Bell with side mounts on it 55-67 chevy for the swap. Possibly a driveshaft.

04-23-2009, 08:59 PM	#7
vwjohnny Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 52	Re: ?'s for a 59 gmc engine swap Yep I am learning all about the bell. But a driveshaft? I know probably a driveshaft in the future if and when I go auto. But if I keep the 3 speed? These are definitely the kinds of things I need to know. Do tell.



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