Need advise on 235 (6 cyl) to 265 (8 cyl) 1955 Series 2 P/U

[rechandler64]

Need advise on a engine swap 235 to 265. Old 235 (1/2 ton) had a cracked block so i got ahold of a 265 v-8 from a 1 ton 55 truck. what do I need in order to make this swap easy. I placing the original column shift 3 speed tranny behind the 265 also.
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[OrrieG]

Go back to the truck and get the front motor mounts, bellhousing and clutch assy, zee bar and bracket off the frame, radiator offset tin and any other small pieces you might need. you can keep the 6 radiator in the stock position but you will need to fab a shroud because the 8 fan will be about 5" behind the radiator. You will need the front mount because the 265 does not have the bosses for side mount. If you do not have access to the frame mounts, look at my thread to see how I fabbed mine. The 265 does not have a built in oil filter, if you are lucky yours came with the remote Fram type filter, if not message me. you will need the bellhousing because the 6 and 8 are different. If you are going to run a later model bellhousing and trans, like an auto then you do not need the bellhousing but will need the trans crossmember. Depending on the trans you can keep the crossmember between the front rear sping perches, but things will be tight. Some remove them, I kept mine I use my truck off road and did not want that part of the frame relying on the body mounts to keep it from spreading. For detail find some build threads that have done the conversion.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

you need a truck bell housing for 55 up v-8 or 63 up 6 cyl. Get a front engine mount kit. Get a throttle kit for v-8. There are some exceptions on the bell housing. The rest is just normal modifications. On a 55 you may need to change the shifting box & trans side cover from a 56 -59 or 55 v-8 to clear the ex. manifold.
Ive done several of them & its well worth the effort.

[rechandler64]

Thanks for the fast replies, the 235 (6cyl) had front side mounts also like the 265 (8cyl) are they not the same? The 1 ton (55) 265 had a floor shift, but I am wanting to use the 3 speed column shift that was in the 1/2 ton iam working on, so I guess I need to find a v8 column shift 3 speed?
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[OrrieG]

hardware is the same, 6 motor mount stud mounted in the cross member, 8 was mounted further back and wider on an extension off the frame that was riveted to the back of the front crossmember. I made mine out of 1/2" plate. Here is a pic of mine and of the stock one (could not find an installed pic online).

[rechandler64]

I really like your engine mount extensions you made you don't have a drawing/measurement of these extenders?
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[dicer]

Even if you make the mounts like Orrie did they still need to be shaped like the other ones in the small picture he posted. You can't just have that plate sitting on top of that crossmemeber and not supported at the rear and down to the back face of the crossmember. That will cause a twisting moment on that area and in time will crack the crossmember.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Go back to the truck and get the front motor mounts, bellhousing and clutch assy, zee bar and bracket off the frame, radiator offset tin and any other small pieces you might need. e the 6

If you didn't get those pieces with the engine you have to get them. The three speed will bolt to the V8 truck bellhousing but you have to have the V8 bellhousing because the six cylinder bellhousing will not work.

Orrie's instructions in his post are a bit long and maybe run together but that is exactly what you have to have for parts and what you need to do. Hundreds and probably thousands of guys have done the same exact swap and it can be done in a day pretty easily if you set your mind to it.

[KingKlung]

You will also need to change out the ignition switch. The foot starter will be removed.