VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans a 261 in my 46 1/2 ton

need some guidance on a few parts. would like to not have to cut up my 46 1/2t pu to make things fit. am considering a '57 261 upgrade for a lit bit more growl. motor came from a 2 ton unit. probably using a patrick's set up...saginaw trans, torque tube tail conversion, 3:55 R&P replacement. the question..will the bell housing on the '57 fit the motor mounts i now have in the truck(currently a 50 216 w/ stock 3 spd) as patricks told me i need to use a 48 housing , but the 57 is the same..yes? and will the 2 ton clutch (a 3 finger??) work in the 1/2 ton as well

new at this stuff..still figuring things out. thanks for the help.
big ed

You might do better asking this question over at www.inliners.org or at www.stovebolt.com. They tend to do more altering of the vehicles then the folks here at the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America. That's not to say that someone here might be able to help you, but those are a couple of other places for you to look, also.

Joe

37 - 63 four main bearing engines have same bolt pattern from block to bell housing. You will need to use a 38 - 46 bell housing to mount your clutch and brake pedal. (A 37 bell housing will fit but uses a 37 only starter.) .
55 - 63 engines use a longer waterpump that's mounted lower. The short shaft water pump, sold by most suppliers, may not cool adequately and the fan blade will hit the crank. Get a 41 - 52, or 53-54 water pump. Remove the plate on the back. Make a new plate to fit the newer block with pump mounted in higher location. .
. Remember that your 261 has a full flow oil filter so if you plug the oil passages no pressure will get to the bearings. If you bush it down to 1/8" line, it will starve.