Attaching a 350 to original 4 speed manual trans

[Poulsbo]

Hello again!

I'm now moving my project from the engine stand to the engine compartment...and I have a question about what I need to attach my newly rebuilt 350 engine to the original four speed gearbox.

The truck is a 65 C10 with the "Granny" super low first gear.

I figure I'll need a new flywheel and clutch pack. But do I need a new / different bell housing? Throw out mechanism? Adapters of any kind?

My plan is to remove the gear box for a good cleaning and service, then drop the full engine/gearbox back into the truck together.

Any advice? Are there other threads on this forum you can point me to?

Thanks again for any help.

Poulsbo

['68OrangeSunshine]

I may be off-base, since I'm a '67-'72 monomaniac, but you should have the SM420 treansmission if it's the original 4-speed in a '65. The OEM bellhousing is GM p/n: [GM11]3815891 with a 4-9/16'' diameter opening.
It should bolt right up to any SBC, BBC or L6 made from the mid '60s to late '80s.
The SM465, introduced in '68, takes a bellhousing with a 5-1/8'' I.D. but engine-mating bolt patterns are the same.

[Poulsbo]

Thanks '68OrangeSunshine,

Yea, it's the original 4-speed. Sounds like I should be good to go without too much "adapting." Good news.

Appreciate the help.

Poulsbo

[72junky]

One concern for a new engine. Be sure to check the back of the crank for a pilot bearing. If the crank has one in it, measure the input shaft OD before the splines and then measure the ID on the pilot to be positive they match. If not you will need to install one for the "65. I know different tranny's have different sizes, but, they all fit in the back of the crank. good luck

[Captainfab]

What engine was in there before the new 350?

As '68Orange Sunshine said no need for a different bellhousing. You are correct in needing a flywheel, clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing assembly. You will also need the pilot bushing that 72junky mentioned. Even if the new 350 has one, remove it and install a new one. As for the clutch linkage, what you will need depends on what you now have. If the truck previously had a small block, then everything will bolt right up to the 350.

[Poulsbo]

Great advice 72junky and Captainfab!

Previous engine was the original 283, which I'm going to rebuild and keep in case I ever want to sell the truck.

I'll make sure the pilot bearing is new and matched to the kit.

Sounds like the swap should be pretty straight forward. (Famous last words...)

Thanks again for the help.

Poulsbo

[burnin oil]

2 more things to check out. Most but not all small blocks are drilled for the clutch zbar next to the oil filter. Also check the front of the block beside the timing cover right above the pan, these were the front style engine mount holes originally and are often used for power steering pumps. When I swapped the 400 into my 72 I forgot to check them. It is a pain drilling the holes once it is sitting in the truck!

[Captainfab]

Then you have everything you need for your 350. Just get the flywheel turned and install a new clutch, pressure plate and TO bearing.

Originally Posted by Poulsbo

Great advice 72junky and Captainfab!

Previous engine was the original 283, which I'm going to rebuild and keep in case I ever want to sell the truck.

I'll make sure the pilot bearing is new and matched to the kit.

Sounds like the swap should be pretty straight forward. (Famous last words...)

Thanks again for the help.

Poulsbo