VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 Replace 53 235 with 56 235 engine block? Needs?

I have a completely rebuilt 56 235 engine block, no head etc, to replace my 53 235 stick shift, what all do I need?
Motor supports, head, water pump etc? Thanks.

Oh! forgot to mention, Belair sedan. Not a truck. Side mounts in the car.

Macourtney - By using your 53 head the engine will look more authentic with the 53 valve cover. You will need an adapter for the water pump, which is made/sold by fellow chat guy and engine guru pre68dave, who has done many of these implants. Find him in the user list and send him a message about your needs.

Roger

Thanks for the information, will try him.

1955-57 blocks do not have a place for center side mounts.
1955-57's mounted at the very front on the side.
It is going to be very hard to use that block.

So, who has an answer?
That is the question. I only will be driving the car on tours, no judging planed.
Thanks, if you can put a 350 V8 in any car why can't you use a 6 cylinder? Am I stupid or not? I do not think so.
Is this question too hard for you old Chevrolet people?
Or do You just cater to certain people?
This maybe is what is wrong with this club.

macourtney - the information you received was from probably the most knowledgeable engine man on this site. He has done many of these swaps and invented the adapter for the water pump. Your answer might be as simple as finding the right block to use.

Roger

Your 53 used side center engine mounts to stabilize the engine. The 56 engine had the front mounts as I mentioned earlier and used bellhousing mounts to stabilize the engine.
If you want to mount the engine off the front timing plate like was done up to 1951, you will need to add bellhousing mounts for stability.

...Or you can drill and tap the 56 block for the 53 side mounts.
Then order the $40 waterpump adapter from Dave, I think he is the one that makes and sells them.

The problem is there are no bosses to drill on the 55-57 engines.
I think adapting the 55-57 front side mount would be the easiest, if there is room.

..Then you will need a truck bellhousing and fab some rear engine mounts, or just go with the front truck mounts and a transmission mount, it has worked before. So has drilling and tapping without bosses.

All 1937-62 216/235 pass and truck bellhousing are drilled for the passenger stabilizer mount bracket. You would then need to add a bracket off the frame to catch this mount.

Dave, Thanks for the info. I really need to stabilize my #1 passanger. I have had her for 43 years and have almost given up on stabilizeing her!

macourtney if you will drive out here to Poverty Sinks I may have a bell housing if you need another one. It will save me having to haul it to the scrap yard in Stephenville, I need to get my small trailer emptied up. So I can haul a lawnmower in to town for new tires. :vcca:

Sounds like the conclusion is to sell the car and let someone else put a 350 V8 in and sell the good 56- 235 engine. If I was 16 again I would make it work like I did the FlatHead in the Model A!
But I am not.Thanks for all the advice.
I Have a truck bell housing, but do not think that helps much at this point.

Very good advice posted here. Lots of six cylinder knowledge, which is not as plentiful as it used to be.

Whilst reading this thread I am reminded of the old saying "Those who do not want to be helped, cannot."

"Am I stupid or not? I do not think so.
Is this question too hard for you old Chevrolet people?
Or do You just cater to certain people?
This maybe is what is wrong with this club. "

To answer you question......yes, I think you must be at least a little bit stupid to ask a question and then throw a temper tantrum and insult the people that could help you.

Your profile shows you're in public service (police officer & firefighter). I hope you're a little calmer and more polite to the people you're supposed to be serving. :o

Bob, believe me, he don't need your help or your advise......or advice.

Suggest you all take a look in the October 2007, G&D, on page 16, top of the page.

Thank you Bow Tie Bob for your comment, I did not throw a temper tantrum.
I was just dissapionted in the answer I got about my problem.
Surely there is someone out there that has had the same problem?
I do not appreciate someone that tries to run down anyone like you did. That is just rude.
This is suppose to be a fun thing, am I right?
P.S. I think I have maybe solved the problem with some help from my fellow club members.
I will report the results when the project is done.
Thanks for all the help guys!

Thanks, Chevradioman for reading your G & D Magazine and for the ad, but little too late election is past.
Look forward to seeing you.