engine trans plant

[zombeats13]

So how much trouble would it be to trans plant a 350 or a 454 into a 59?

[Wheelie]

A lot more then using the search button.

[The Good Ratchet]

its not that bad from looking at it in my 59. I have not tried yet but they make motor mount kits that bolt or weld to the frame. There is plenty of room if that is what your worried about.

[raycow]

You can get an aftermarket crossmember that will mount the BB. The SB is easy since it was a factory option. Stock type mounting brackets are still reproed, or you can also go with aftermarket mounts.

Ray

[zombeats13]

Where can I get the after market crossmember?

[bobinbc]

here's one (click this link)

[mr48chev]

If you run a standard trans = 3 speed or 4 speed you can use the factory V8 truck bellhousing and bolt the V8 in using the stock crossmember without doing a lot of changes.

An automatic would require a new crossmember as the others said above.

With a big block the main issue would or might be clearance at the steering box and clearance for the valve covers at the firewall.
It will fit but sometimes you might feel like you are trying to stick 10 lbs of stuff in a 5 lb box.

[zombeats13]

I've entertained the thought of using a diesel engine in case I want to use it to haul stuff but I'm not sure. Any recomendations, 350, 454, or diesel? What would be best, and what would be a good standard 3 or 4 speed to look for?

[bobinbc]

Going to a diesel will add some more weight, which will require suspension mods. Also bigger cooling system, better brakes, truck tires, etc. transmission would depend on engine choice, obviously. Not saying you shouldn't do it, only that it would be a bit more involved, how big of a project would you like....

[ya it is a classic]

ok i got a 55 3200 with a 235 and a 4 speed. and i got a 72 gmc 1/2 ton with a rebuilt 350 and a 4speed (reverse is right and down). and a 67 gmc 1/2 ton with a 1970 292 and a 4 speed (reverse is left and down(bulletproof?)) i want to put the 350 with the bulletproof transmission in the 55 so whats the best way and what will i need? and can i do the swap in say 2 days with some help. ill just keep the manual steering and the manual brakes. just swap the motor and transmission out. also will a 440 fit in the 55? my 235 only has about 1000 miles since rebuild and i know a guy looking for one for his 3600 and he has a bunch of 440s that he will probably trade. thanks

[raycow]

Originally Posted by ya it is a classic

ok i got a 55 3200 with a 235 and a 4 speed. and i got a 72 gmc 1/2 ton with a rebuilt 350 and a 4speed (reverse is right and down). and a 67 gmc 1/2 ton with a 1970 292 and a 4 speed (reverse is left and down(bulletproof?)) i want to put the 350 with the bulletproof transmission in the 55 so whats the best way and what will i need? and can i do the swap in say 2 days with some help. ill just keep the manual steering and the manual brakes. just swap the motor and transmission out. also will a 440 fit in the 55? my 235 only has about 1000 miles since rebuild and i know a guy looking for one for his 3600 and he has a bunch of 440s that he will probably trade. thanks

The 67 transmission (SM420) is almost identical to the 55, and there is no reason to believe it is any more "bulletproof" than the 72 (SM465). However, if you are keeping the stock 55 rear end (not that I am recommending this), the early transmission will let you keep your stock driveshaft as well. If you are swapping rears I recommend using the SM465, because it will be easier to get parts for when you need them. Whichever transmission you decide on, make sure to use the same year bellhousing, because the center holes are different sizes. Either bellhousing will fit the stock mounts on the 55 crossmember. Just transfer the stock 55 clutch fork and the rest of the linkage will bolt up

You asked for the best way to install the 350, and my definition of "best" is "easiest". If your 55 is a 2nd series (wrap-around windshield), use stock 55-59 V-8 mounting parts, which are still reproed and available from the vintage parts vendors. If it is a 1st series, you will need one of the aftermarket crossmembers that uses car-type mounts.

If your 440 is a Mopar, you will be pretty much on your own for a mounting setup, as I am not aware of anyone who is selling parts for this swap.

Ray

[zombeats13]

Would a 72 transmission and the 350 bolt in basicly the same way in a 1 ton 59?

[raycow]

Originally Posted by zombeats13

Would a 72 transmission and the 350 bolt in basicly the same way in a 1 ton 59?

55 (2nd) to 59 are all basically the same. Manual will bolt up on the stock mounts. Automatic would need two new crossmembers.

Ray

[zombeats13]

Thank you Ray

[ya it is a classic]

Originally Posted by raycow

The 67 transmission (SM420) is almost identical to the 55, and there is no reason to believe it is any more "bulletproof" than the 72 (SM465). However, if you are keeping the stock 55 rear end (not that I am recommending this), the early transmission will let you keep your stock driveshaft as well. If you are swapping rears I recommend using the SM465, because it will be easier to get parts for when you need them. Whichever transmission you decide on, make sure to use the same year bellhousing, because the center holes are different sizes. Either bellhousing will fit the stock mounts on the 55 crossmember. Just transfer the stock 55 clutch fork and the rest of the linkage will bolt up

You asked for the best way to install the 350, and my definition of "best" is "easiest". If your 55 is a 2nd series (wrap-around windshield), use stock 55-59 V-8 mounting parts, which are still reproed and available from the vintage parts vendors. If it is a 1st series, you will need one of the aftermarket crossmembers that uses car-type mounts.

If your 440 is a Mopar, you will be pretty much on your own for a mounting setup, as I am not aware of anyone who is selling parts for this swap.

Ray

ray your my hero. i want to use the 67 transmission because the 72 is kinda loose. also it is a 2nd series. im looking at the v8 mounts in LMC and it looks like the mounts from the pin to the engine are just longer. does anyone have some measurements so i can make my own? what do i do with the radiator? will the fan hit? can i use the 55 radiator and just put like a 160 thermostat in the 350? and will the distributer hit the firewall? thanks