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235 to 350 swap questions?

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Papas1955-210

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
OK so since my 235 is dead I have since been offered a amazing deal on a brand new Crate 350 and 350 automatic 3 speed trannsmission, I dont know all the specifics yet. To do this swap what all will need to be done? Is it a pretty easy swap? Motormounts? crossmemebers for the tranny? New drive line?
Any input would be awesome.

Thanks
Scott
 
#2 ·
You pretty much covered it, depending on position of trans you may need to shorten your tail shaft.

You may also need to modify throttle linkage to suit.

The radiator should be fine as it would be in the six cyclinder position.

With the engine mounts make sure its not positioned to far back as the distributor will hit the firewall.

:anim_25:
 
#3 ·
You will probably have to go to side motor mounts, If you search back posts you can find out what brands to stay away from. Some are much easier to install than others. (I personally have never changed one over so I can't be of help to you there)

You will probably have to add a tail cross piece but they are out there too. If you go with a long water pump you can leave the radiator where it is.

For a first timer, its going to have some challenges, but you can do it.

If t were me, and it was my first attemp at such a project, I would go ahead and remove the front clip. Other than the front bumper, Its just a half dozen bolts, and it will allow you to see what you are doing. Especially the front motor mounts. Two people can remove the front clip easily.
 
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#5 ·
I think going to a 350 and a turbo 350 would be a good move. If it were mine, I'd use the stock engine mounts, bellhousing adapters for the th 350 and a rear trans crossmember. You should need about a 53 inch driveshaft. I'd probably use ram horn manifolds
 
#6 ·
You could also use a 4 speed overdrive trans like the th2004r of th700r4. Its a bit more work to install, but after this you will have a overdrive trans with lower RPM on the motorway and lower fuel consumption
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Thanks for the feedback guys, this will be my first attempt at anything like this, I have some CAR GUYS friends that will hopefully give me a hand with the technical stuff.

Do I need to worry about the rear end? I have read some people say replace it and some say just dont be doing burn out all the time and it will be fine. I am running on a very thin budget, the engine and trans will break me for a while.
 
#8 ·
Papas1955-210 said:
Do I need to worry about the rear end? I have read some people say replace it and some say just dont be doing burn out all the time and it will be fine.
Click to expand...
You should be fine with your current rear end.....The original V8 rear was no stronger than the 6 cyl.....The ratios were dictated by the transmission installed.
 
#10 ·
I am in the process of doing the same thing with my 56. I have got the front end pulled off and am ready to pull the 235 and powergluide out now. I have not been in a hurry to do this because of not knowing what i will run into.
I am also going to be installing a 350 with a 350 trans. Hope you don't mind me asking a question on this thread. I was wondering if the original I6 metal motor mounts are the same as the original V8 mounts. I want to install the engine in original V8 position thought if they were the same i could mount the engine with them so i could make sure to install the side mounts in the correct position. I have looked in a couple of parts books and have only seen one of the original type motor mounts listed
, are they the same?

Thanks,
Doug
 
#11 ·
#12 ·
#14 ·
My car was originally a 6 cyl/ 3sp car. When I got it, a V8 and TH350 were laid in, not hooked up. I've switched to a 350/700R4. The V8 that was in there was on front mounts. I've switched to side mounts. The trans is on a tubular crossmember with clearance for dual exhaust. I've got 2 1/2 inch ramshorns from Speedway on it, with dual exhaust and Magnaflows. I didn't get the original rear end with the car, I think it's about a 76 Camaro rear. I had it rebuilt with 3:42 gears.
I'm in the process of hooking up the accel linkage, TV cable, radiator.....and I've got to install the AAW wiring kit. I'm getting close, and that's thanks to all the guys on this site and the knowledge they freely share.
If you have any questions I can answer to get you to the point I am with mine, let me know. Let's get them all back on the road, safely and quickly!
Bill
 
#15 · (Edited)
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Discussion starter · #16 ·
Well the deal I had going fell through, BUT I still am going to run a 350 and 350 trans. I am going to go very basic with the set up. I am probably looking to go with a turn key engine since I am engine STUPID...haha

Any suggestions or tips what to look for? 2 Bolt main or 4 Bolt? ( I have no idea what they even mean, a friend said go with 2 bolt for basic)

Scott
 
#17 · (Edited)
Papas1955-210 said:
Any suggestions or tips what to look for? 2 Bolt main or 4 Bolt? ( I have no idea what they even mean, a friend said go with 2 bolt for basic)

Scott
Click to expand...
it really depends on what you want. All 350s are not equal so do you want good mileage, HP, or something in between. Those bolts are how may bolts on the crank and are there in trucks and other high HP machines, but there are lots of two bolts that will work just fine. So it really just depends on what you want the car to do.

I'd still go with a overdrive tranny either way
 
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Discussion starter · #18 ·
I am looking for the in between, it isnt going to be a daily driver so I guess that isnt a real issue and you can never have to much power. I just know the more power the higher the price tag. Hell I just want a engine in it and to drive it now...wishful thinking and patience to do it correctly.
 
#19 ·
Sorry for the deay in replying. Thanks for the info. I am going to install the side mounts, I just wanted to use the orginal front mounts to help me get the engine in the proper location. I want to mount the engine in the stock V8 position.
 
#20 ·
My 55 originally had the 235 6cyl with 3 speed stick. 15 Years ago, I swapped in a 327 v8 with stock rams horn exhaust manifolds and a TH350 using the front mounts and side mounts with rear trans crossmember. I got the parts at classic chevy out of orlando florida. That was my first 6cyl to V8 swap. I had no problems. Even kept the 6 cyl radiator and original driveshaft. However you will have to use a points type distributor ( use a pertronics electronic conversion) since it sits very close to the firewall when the engine is in the stock position.
 
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