1957 235 change to 283

[superbirdkiwi]

Hi

I am not familia with Chevy's, so I am sure this question will be basic to many.

Will a 283 V8 engine bolt to the exsiting 235 3 speed bell housing? Or is the bell housing and gearbox totally different?

What other things should I be aware of to change my 235 engine to a 283.

Cheers
Gary
Posted via Mobile Device

[mr48chev]

In answer to the bell housing question=no You need the cast iron V8 bellhousing that fits the truck but they aren't hard to find and usually under 50.00 except on Ebay where the sky seems to be the asking price.

The rest of the swap is pretty straightforward and a lot of guys have done them in a day back in the day.

[dubie]

is the 235 bell housing that much different from the 250 inline? When I swapped my 250 inline out for a 350 in my 72, it was a direct bolt on swap. Other than that, you'll have to modify the throttle linkage and run some new fuel line. All stuff that can be done in a weekend. Are you going to use the 2 front post mounts for the 283 or upgrade to the side mounts? Does your 283 have the holes in the block for the side mounts?

[Henry50]

Originally Posted by dubie

is the 235 bell housing that much different from the 250 inline?

250 and 350 have the same bolt pattern 216 and 235 are totally different.

[superbirdkiwi]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

In answer to the bell housing question=no You need the cast iron V8 bellhousing that fits the truck but they aren't hard to find and usually under 50.00 except on Ebay where the sky seems to be the asking price.

The rest of the swap is pretty straightforward and a lot of guys have done them in a day back in the day.

Hi, thanks

So all I would need is a V8 bell housing and the current 3 speed would bolt up and work (are the gearboxes the same?).

I guess the flywheel and clutch plate is different also? (V8 vs 6)

thanks again

[_Ogre]

bell housing as noted. you'll also need front motor mounts and frame brackets. brothers has these
front accessory drive; alt/gen and fan is pretty much it.
yes you will need to modify the gas linkage and lengthen a couple wires

[OrrieG]

And exhaust, and if you keep the six radiator location build a shroud. Six is foot start, v8 was key start, when I went for six to 283 you could still go to an electical jobber and just change the nose piece.

[Russell Ashley]

Use the side engine mounts if you plan to add any accessories like power steering and/or a/c. Will save you some trouble later.

[AZ59apacheguy]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

Use the side engine mounts if you plan to add any accessories like power steering and/or a/c. Will save you some trouble later.

I agree, I'm running into this problem as well. I decided to go with the stock, front style mounts. Now I am having issues finding brackets to accomodate a future power steering upgrade.

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by AZ59apacheguy

I agree, I'm running into this problem as well. I decided to go with the stock, front style mounts. Now I am having issues finding brackets to accomodate a future power steering upgrade.

You can make a p/s pump mounting bracket off of an 80 Chevy truck work by cutting a notch into the left motor mount bracket. I can't remember if I did any cutting on the p/s pump bracket. The same bracket is probably used on lots of Chevy vehicles of that era so should be easy to find.

[55dude]

Any V8 bellhousing from 1955 to 1972 truck, 1955 to 1957 car will work if your keeping front motor mounts.Any V8 bell will work with side motor mounts. You can simply order a tubular engine crossmember from CCP to eliminate from mounts and using 1958+ car transmission will have provisions for rear crossmember, 1967 + truck transmission will work. Good luck.