[Gr8 '48 bow tie]

After checking the cost and modifications necissary to replace my 216 ci in my 48 bowtie, i have given thought to trying to figure out what inline chevy six will fit the motor mts on the 48 frame. I want one with the most power available. I will also need a powerglide to hook up to it. The next qustion is will the torque tube and rearend handle the extra power.

Al

[drgnwgn289]

with some minor motor mount, and radiator mounting modifications, you can put in a GMC 302. It doesn't get any better than that as far as 6s go. Its got pressure to the rods and mains (your 216 only has it to the mains) and you can bore them to like 348 or something. All the speed equipment is available from Cliifor Performance.
I'm not real sure, but I think the only direct bolt in replacement is the 235 or 261. However, you have to get the short water pump, but other than that it is a direct bolt up and the rear end and torque tube will handle the power fine, but you can't get posi with the stock rear end.

[Rayboy '38]

Drgnwgn, I'm brand new to the Board and to the hobby. I'm working on a '38 Chevy p/up project that will be powered by a balanced, late 1954 235 blue flame 6 when finally on the road. The dyno says 245 hp is what to expect. I'm mating an S10 BW 5 speed to the engine. I was told I needed to replace the torque tube with an open drive line. Is there an advantage in doing this? The orignal axle looks so small and frail, not so?

I respect your opinion and thank you for it.

[ January 28, 2003: Message edited by: Rayboy '38 ]</p>

[Rayboy '38]

[quote]Originally posted by Rayboy '38:
<strong>Drgnwgn, I'm brand new to the Board and to the hobby. I'm working on a '38 Chevy p/up project that will be powered by a balanced, late 1954 235 blue flame 6 when finally on the road. The dyno says 245 hp is what to expect. I'm mating an S10 BW 5 speed to the engine. I was told I needed to replace the torque tube with an open drive line. Is there an advantage in doing this? The orignal axle looks so small and frail, not so?

I respect your opinion and thank you for it.

[ January 28, 2003: Message edited by: Rayboy '38 ]</strong><hr></blockquote>

[drgnwgn289]

Well I don't know about the rear ends that far back (38), it may be too weak. The reason you have to replace the closed driveshaft with an open one is that the closed shaft won't mate to the new tranny. Its not that open is stronger than closed (closed actually has less U-joints to break), they just aren't compatable with the same trannys. As for the rear end... A good rule to go by is "if it looks weak, it probably is." In my opinion you would probably benifit the most from a later rear end, i.e. danna 44,ford 9", ect. hope that helped...good luck

[Dave E Shank]

HEY GR: There is a web site called www.inliners.org and they have info that maybe helpful I have a 48 Chevy pickup that was converted to 235 in 1960 and it runs okay. I have thought about rodding it but mom says " No money Honey""" GOOD LUCK DAVE

[willys36@aol.com]

A GMC 292 is the same early style and should bolt right in. It is close enough in power to a later style 302 and has the advantage of being a direct replacement for the 216/235 series of engines. My advice is to dump the torque tube rear end and relace it with a modern one. For one thing, you will get something other than the 4:11s that come in the old rear and I don't think a PowerGlide comes in a torque tube version, unless it is an obscure cast iron case version which isn't very desireable compared to the later aluminum case.

[Maverick]

10 Bolt out of a Nova fits real well. I got one out of a '79 and the orginal spring perches fit right onto my orginal '49 leaf springs. Pinon angle seems to be right also, may need little adjustment. Its geared pretty high though 3:1 but can be easly changed. By all means get rid of that torque tube. I gotta get my pics developed and posted on here so ya can see what Iam talking about. One of the many things I need to do!

[drgnwgn289]

There is no such thing as a GMC 292, GMC used the Chevy 292 which is the same series as the 250. Neither of those will bolt right in. They both use two side motor mounts and a center mount on the bell housing while the 216, 235, and 261 and all first series GMC motors 228,248,270 and 302 use one center motor mount with two side mounts on the bell housing. Plus, the 292/250 is longer and you will have to mover your radiator forward and cut out some of the sheet metal in front of it. The only direct bolt in replacement is a 235 or 261. If you move you radiator forward to use a 250 or 292, it would be worth it to move your motor mount 1 1/2" forward to accomidate a 248,270 or 302 GMC wich are all better motors than the chevy counter parts.

[willys36@aol.com]

I was thinking of the GMC 261 when I said 292. Anyway, I would go with the big early GMC 'cause it will bolt right in w/o a lot of extra work that a late model 6 would require as drgnwgn points out.

[drgnwgn289]

Ok, I see where you are coming from now...you had me all confused <img src="confused.gif" border="0">