VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Accepting suggestions for my 1947 engine swap.

Going to begin the swap in a few weeks.

Those of you who have been there and have suggestions or others who would like to give me some recommendations go to it with my thanks.

1954 Chevrolet 235 going into the 1947 Chevrolet and the 216 coming out.

My thought goes with Gene's quote below.

"To use the engine front motor mount, bolt holes need to be drilled in the front mounting plate using the 1947 plate as a guide".

Thank you

I would recommend getting new front engine mounts, they are usually soaked with oil and its the perfect time to replace them. I would also have a new pilot bushing on hand. I'm just south of you in Osceola so if you get in a bind and need a hand let me know.

I following the article from patricks antique cars and trucks

http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/articles.html

I put an 1959 Chevy 235 into my 1948 Fleetline Aerosedan and had no problems. I also converted it to 12 volt and used the pertronix ignition.

Here are a couple of interesting articles about swapping engines:

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/engine_swap_216.htm

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/engine_swap2_302.htm

Cheers, Dean

Thank you - I have copied them and also have Patrick's Auto Supply Mag.

While you're at it you may want to get a PG 3:55 or 3:73 rear gears for it.

I would think that a set of 3:55s and a 261 would be the best combination in order to leave the original appearance. But, there are several options such as dual exhaust, multicarbs, ignitions, voltages and accessories.

You will need a different exhaust pipe from the original. Most muffler shops can help you there.

As to the 235, it is my understanding that the 1959 is the best one. May be you could find one and use it instead of the 54.

Good luck with it,
Charlie

The 4.11 with a 235 will be almost as quick and a 261 with a 3.55.
With the 4.11 it will have a very strong high gear for normal driving.
At this point I would be more concerned about getting the engine in place.
If the 235 smokes a little consider it normal for a 1954 that has never been apart.

Thank you

OK ..... you've got all the info ....

Is the conversion done yet ??????

If not, make arrangements for pizza, beer and lodging.

Then print date and directions.

The swap will be handled, 1,2,3 .... we'll all be cruisin' down the highway in the '47 quicker than you think.

WHEW, that all worked out fine!

Not yet - still working on my plan. I want to clean up the engine and paint it the proper color. Don't even know what the proper color would be when you put a 1954 Chevrolet Engine into a 1947 Chevrolet. Do you go 1954 color or go 1947 color or do your own thing?

I hope you understand I was kidding with you .... but I do like pepperoni and double cheese.

The color choice is yours BUT, if you want it to have the original color, which will somewhat "hide" the 235, keyword being "somewhat", paint it 216 gray.

I would go with the '47 shade gray...I have the light blue on my 216 block, because of the more recent rebuild, and I hate it...Just 'cause it doesn't look original...

Blue, man Kevin get the paint brush out!

I am putting a 54 235 in my 51 and I am going to paint it gray. My car is two tone red and white and I think in addition to being a year correct color it will also look better than the blue.

I would paint it the 1929-1953 gray.
The 1953 Power Glide and 1954 and up car engines were blue but the gray will make it look more original.

After an engine swaps to a 235, or other non-original engine, and when someone asks you if it still has the original engine in it, what do you tell them? Consider this:

a. Do you say "Yes"? Now, if you have it painted 216 gray then the color will support the untruth when you raise the hood.

b. If you say "No" then painting it the color that engine was originally will support your honesty.

c. On the other hand, if you have painted it the original color but state that you did so to match the original engine color. Then you have been truthful. Takes a bit of talking rather than the quick "yes" or "no."

c. It only becomes problematic when you have falsely stated the engine's originality and the observer(s) realize that you have been untruthful and are trying to side-step the issue. Not good.

The above is something to think about when you are contemplating an original vs non-original engine swap.

Just saying...

Charlie

BTW: I asked a little time back who of us were running a completely original engine. There was a heap of folks who said they were. I doubt there are very many who have not swapped out to aluminum pistons, different head, converted to 12 volts, electronic ignition (Distributor. You know what I mean) or a completely different year and displacement engine altogether. And this is saying nothing of the rear gears. I've seen heavily modified owners tell folks that the car is original. It is easier than describing all the changes, I suppose. Mercy!

my engine is original with the exception of a chrome valve cover and split manifold with duals...and it's painted Black...
I went out there today during the cold spell and gave it some gas to drink down the carb and she fired right up even drove her to the store and back... I can't wait till spring the shoot some clear coat on it...

Most that might ask are the same folks that look at my 32 and want to know if I bought it new! Then they will ask if it has an automatic transmission. As far as the 51 goes I'll just say it's an all original body with a later all chevy power train.

Many folks that ask if this or that is original are simply making conversations. That's fine with me.

Are those same folks looking to see if the valve cover has 4 hold down bolts or 2 acorns? I don't think so.

MY '51, in the avatar, has a 1955 235 with dual exhaust.

I have been approached by those folks "in the know", saying they just know I put a Ford flathead V8 in there, based on the sound.

So, I don't worry too much about my answers to folks who ask questions about my car.

It's all just conversation.

Geez Steve .... if you bought the '32 new and you were 20 at the time, you'd be 103 now.

Better sit and rest, for a spell.

Not worrying to much about it remaining original. I am happy to be able to save the engine I am taking out of the 47 for the next owner should they be interested in bringing it back to original.

I am doing the same with my 51 as I am putting in the 54 running gear. My thoughts are that if I happen upon a good 54 hardtop without an engine I will be able make the swap.

Looking for 1947 Chevrolet (code 345-354) oxford maroon metallic spray
paint. Any place to find this product? Thanks