230 to 250 swap (clutch linkage)

[enick72]

I searched this topic a couple different ways and almost found what I was looking for but not really. The threads I found had dead ends to my questions.

My 230 has spun a rod bearing so I bought a 78 doner truck with a 250/350TH. I'm going to keep the truck a manual but am swapping the 4 spd out with a T5. The thread I found says that the swap is pretty straight forward but the clutch linkage is different but was not explained how it was different. Does anybody have any info on the different linkage if it is different? Looking at the block on the 250 there are the same holes for mounting. Are there any other issues I may run into? I plan on running a header and the old intake.
Thanks for any advise.

[CWT]

I returned your pm.

[tkeduk8r]

the T5 may need a hydraulic clutch set up depending on what the bell housing dictates... they are available aftermarket, but did come stock on manual gm light duty trucks after 1985 I believe....
--Mike

[enick72]

I'm not worried about anything inside the bell housing. I will be using my stock flywheel, pressure plate and TO bearing with an S10 disc. I read another thread about a 230 to 250 swap. They were thinking of doing a swap and keeping the 3 on the tree and somebody replied saying the linkage was different. It looks like the bell crank mount is in the same place on the 250 so I was wondering what they were talking about being different.
Where can I buy a new 6 cyl bell crank. I have found a bunch for V8s but no 6 cyl. Mine looks very worn, might as well tighten everything up while I'm in there. I've got other parts ordered and would like to have most everything here that I need.

[raycow]

No change in the clutch linkage is necessary. Keep your stock clutch linkage and everything inside the bellhousing except for the clutch disc. You will need a 14 spline disc from either an Astrovan or S-10.

The only modification needed (besides the driveshaft and shifter hole) is to shorten the input shaft pilot and bearing retainer on the T-5. If you want to pay for this adapter plate, you won't even have to modify the transmission.
http://hamiltonintakes.com/products/s10t-5-adapter.html

Ray

[enick72]

After looking over both engines I didn't think there were any differences since there are holes for the mount in the same place. I got my 14 spline clutch disc today and have already ordered the spacer from Hamilton. This trans was supposed to be for my 55 but since I'm doing the engine swap the 65 gets it first.

[halfcockedcustoms]

I've done the exact same swap your doing..my truck was a 230/3 on the tree,,is now a 68 250 with a t5,,only thing changed is the clutch disc and shortened driveshaft...MY .02 the t5 swap is the best thing you can do to these trucks,,,,

[enick72]

I'm getting excited about the swap because I'll be able to drive it even more. I hope to get rolling on it this weekend if all my parts are in.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by halfcockedcustoms

only thing changed is the clutch disc and shortened driveshaft.

Interesting. You didn't cut the pilot shaft? I didn't know it would work that way.

[halfcockedcustoms]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

Interesting. You didn't cut the pilot shaft? I didn't know it would work that way.

yes I cut the pilot,,but with the adapter,,,you shouldnt need to

[CWT]

Originally Posted by enick72

After looking over both engines I didn't think there were any differences since there are holes for the mount in the same place. I got my 14 spline clutch disc today and have already ordered the spacer from Hamilton. This trans was supposed to be for my 55 but since I'm doing the engine swap the 65 gets it first.

Sounds like you got it going now. Give me a call again anytime if you have any questions. Sorry to have to cut you short yesterday.

[enick72]

Originally Posted by CWT

Sounds like you got it going now. Give me a call again anytime if you have any questions. Sorry to have to cut you short yesterday.

No problem at all, thank you very much for speaking with me. I don't think I'll have any issues but if I do I'll give you a shout.