VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Engine Swap

My 41 Chevy Coupe Special Deluxe has a 58-62 235 CI block with a 58 head. The motor needs to be overhauled as it smokes like a freight train. A V8 swap would be easy but many have already done that. Would like to keep a six in it but would like suggestions on a later model so an open drive line with modern suspension, brakes and shocks can be used. More power would be nice for longer cruises.

Is the 250 or 292 a viable swap or should I opt for rebuilding the 235 with after market parts? Is a T5 transmission from a S10 an easy swap and what year, make/model rear end is an easy swap? I tried the search function but hope to learn from those who have more knowledge and experience.

I'd say go for a late 261 truck engine with a 3:55 rear end. (If you want to be faster off the line leave the stouter 4:11 in place.) Fit on dual exhaust with duel or trip carbs and it will run with the big boys. Best of all, its a relatively easy swap and will look quite natural.
Good luck with it, whatever you decide to do,
Charlie

BTW: Unlike the 216 or 235, I think the 261 has full pressure to the filter. Not a trickle as with the other two.

Gary,

Check stovebolt.com. Their discussion forum caters more to drivetrain modifications and upgrades than this site. I've seen several discussion of T5 adaptions to Chev six cylinder engines.

Mark

If You'd like to "run with the big boys" but keep the 6 , might I suggest looking in to a Pontiac 6 Overhead Cam engine...They were produced for only 2 years , I believe . 1967 - 68 . 1968 was available with a 4 barrel , stock . I remember them well...man did they go...Oh my gosh , I forgot this isn't H.A.M.B...! lol

As Charlie mentioned a 261 and a change of your rear end gears would be pretty much bolt in. If you want to go more modern stuff check out the HAMB, Chevytalk, or Stovebolt. They have sections for "hot rod" stuff. Just do your homework, lots of nice stuff has been torn apart and wrecked because people don't realize how tough the task really is. Good Luck Don

Appreciate the replies and suggestions. I have built several cars over the years but nothing this old. I did have a 37 Chevy Coupe I made a Gasser. V8 stuff is easy, I want something a little different but still drivable. Will try the Stovebolt forum.

kevin47,
The Pontiac Overhead Cam 6 was produced from 1966 to 1969. They were seven main bearing engines similar to the Chevrolet 230 and 250 cu. in. 6s. Used the same rods, pistons but the Pontiac crank had a bolted on balancer vs. Chevy pressed on. There are other differences in the engines primarily due to the drive for the oil pump and fuel pump not being able to be coupled to the cam shaft. I purchased a 1966 Tempest OHC 6 brand new and still have it. Also have three other engines. Owned a '66 Sprint 6 convertible twice (215 hp 230 cu. in.). I was not fast off the line but once rolling would run with many V-8s.

Never thought about putting an OHC 6 in a Chevy but it would be a really neat road car as those engines love to run at higher speeds.

As luck would have it I found a 261 with a triple carb set up while at a swap meet. It was in a 54 Chevy with a 200R2 transmission. Package price for the motor, transmission and all accessories is a good price. What would I need to do to swap it with the current 235 and closed drive line? I would like to add modern suspension, brakes and rear end as soon as possible. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated

Well, for starters, I don't know what a 200r transmission is. I do know what a 41-48 tranny is.

I would drop the engine in by doing the following:

Make sure you modify the front cover plate to take the front engine mounts.

Bolt on the 216 bell-housing and use the 41 tranny.

Get a 3:55 rear end out of a closed drive 5-54 with PG or a 53-54 standard shift with its 3:73 or is it 3:74? Can't remember. Anyway swap out the torque tube by pulling the axles and out enough for it to slip out the front of the carrier. Piece of cake.

I would go with a heavy duty flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. You'll have a good runner but not a drag car. It'll be sweet.

Although, I have a 261 engine and the heavy clutch assembly, and the 3:55 I have never installed a 261 in a 41. It is my understanding that it is about similar to swapping a 216 for a 235.

The rear end (torque tube and gears) is an easy swap out. There may be some issues with the carburetor linkage but you may already have that. The 261 has a long deep oil filter.

I hope some of the other poster's can offer other tips. Good luck with your project.

Best,
Charlie

BTW: Be sure to get yourself a couple of good, deep sounding mufflers.

Gary I also would suggest that you check out the Chevytalk forum.
The VCCA is primarly devoted to the preservation and the restoration of our Chevrolets. Although I am guilty of some modifications. Like Air Conditoning and dual exhaust. 6 cylinder chevrolets should have come with dual exhausts from the factory. My opinon only.
Cleon

The 200r overdrive should fit, but might be snug. The 200r is just about the same size as the 350. If you change the rear you will either need new springs or reattach the rear spring pads from the stock rear. If you mount the new rear on the stock springs the wheel will not center in the wheel opening, and you will be off about 3/4 on an inch.

Thanks for the tips and suggestions. I will try chevy talk for more info. I do want to keep the 41 as stock as possible while adding modern suspension, brakes and creature comforts. I'm too old not be comfortable on long rides. That is why I have an adventure bike.

For the life of me I have never understood this statement: Is that just a oxymoron?

Being a little harsh aren't ya there Ray...?

I think he means he won't "chop the top"...!

...Or perhaps he skipped over our "mission statement"...?

Harsh! I just ask a question.

I've got to agree with Ray on this one. If you're changing everything but the looks it's not keeping it "stock as possible". Part of the charm of these old vehicles is the rough ride and leaking oil. If one want's a modern car with an old look buy a fiberglass body and put it on a modern chassis.

Oh , I agree with Ray...I was trying myself , to discern what exactly snowball41 was trying convey or confuse or whatever...

If you want to know maybe you should ask. I know that is a novel idea to some but maybe you should try it before you become further confused.

I know exactly what I want but it appears you fine folks are trying to tell me what I should want. Now, before you retreat and say that is not what you meant, save yourself and me some time and just go pick on someone else who may agree with your self anointed point of view.

Thanks to those who did offer suggestions and advice. It helps and is appreciated.

I still kinda like that Pontiac 6 idea I threw out myself...

If it were me,I would go with the 250,Isky 505,Clifford intake and exaust with 750 Holley. Oh, Bore 1/8 and use 327 pistons. Had one on the dirt tracks and it ran like a scared rabbit.

Yeeee Haaaw....Whoa sorry , this ain't the H. A. M. B. ...!

Just for curiosity sake I measured a '31 block and a OHC Pontiac block. Guess what? They are the same. That does not mean that the swap would be easy as it is actually the firewall to radiator distance that must be adhered to. That is the head to fan distance on the engine. Didn't get that done as the complete Pontiac engine (with fan) was outdoors wrapped in black plastic. When I get it back in will be able to convenient get the measurements. No I am not advocating the switch, just dreaming.

It was back in the late '70 's , I first had the idea that it might be interesting to fit a '38 Coupe with a '68 OHC Pontiac engine...I was young and into hot rod's but thought a V-8 was a little bit much for an 'ol car . Alas , I had money for neither...just dreaming .

FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD...... http://cruzintheavenue.com/CarsWeDrove.htm