alsfarms Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 I have a project in the back yard, a 1946 Chev. 1.5 ton dump truck. It has a bad engine. The truck is a fixer-upper and not a good candidate for a full on restoration. The bad engine is a newer 235. I have access to a late model 250 Chev. 6 that I would like to use as a replacement. My question is: Will the original crash box trans, with the power takeoff drive, bolt up to the typical manual trans. bell-housing that fits the 250? I do not want to mess with changing the transmission unless I get forced into it. Any other thoughts on the 250 conversion would be appreciated.Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Simmons Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Al, The 235 is the older casting for the inline sixes. The last of those were made in '62 and THEY did drop in to the older trucks with few problems. The newer sixes 194 thru 292 cu. in.were a smaller casting and the older 235 bell housing won't mate up to the 250. There are also other problems unless you get a 250 out of a standard shift car or truck complete with the bell housing and clutch. If memory serves me the old trans should bolt up to the bell housing on the 250. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 If memory serves me the old trans should bolt up to the bell housing on the 250. Good luckThat is correct, assuming you have a truck bellhousing with the larger pilot hole. Note that the later I6 is longer than the 235, which can cause problems with swaps. There are shorty water pump kits available for the later six for just this application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Simmons Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Joe, Thanks for catching the length difference I'd forgotten about that. To much stuff falls away if you don't retrieve more often. One of the reasons that I like these forums is people who are willing to fill in the blank spots. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I do not think the 46 trans will bolt to the newer bellhousing,I think the newer trans bolt pattern started in 48. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted January 29, 2015 Author Share Posted January 29, 2015 Thanks for you fellows taking the time to respond to my information needs on this near project. I was hopeful to use the original trans, (for nostalgia and ease sake) with the installation of a 250. I am still not real certain if it is possible. Can someone confirm, yes or no by experience, and if it can be done; what are the side issues? I gather the length of the 250 is an issue. Where can one of the "shorty" water pumps be purchased to remedy that issue? I do have access to a truck bell housing, out of a later vehicle, to work with the 250. I have proper clutch and pressure plate for the 250. If needed, I do have a later series truck 4 speed trans. that I could use. Then I see another issue to confirm, Will the original PTO drive from the original '46 trans fit and work on the later series 4 speed? What is a proven remedy for motor mounts to set the 250 in the 46 truck frame? Is something available or is it "Home Brew" time? Same question for the rear of trans? Thanks again for you fellows taking time to respond. It helps to have a general/specific idea of the project before starting!Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 I do not think the 46 trans will bolt to the newer bellhousing,I think the newer trans bolt pattern started in 48.You are correct. The SM420 came out in 1947, not 46. Sorry for the mis-information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bob Call Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to overhaul the 235 instead of trying to swap in a 250? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I would think a running 235 should not be that hard to find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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