55.2-59 WTB inline 6

[skymangs]

The 235 in my 58 wagon just blew the rear main. I’m looking for a good running 6. Another 235 would be fine, but I’m not opposed to a 250 or even a 292

[whitedog76]

What about a Vortec 4200?

25-30% more torque than the 235, 3 times the horsepower.

[mr48chev]

It's not all that hard to put a new set of main bearings and a new rear seal in a 235 if the engine is otherwise in decent shape. I say mains because they may be worn a bit and it isn't a bad idea to change them when you have the pan off.

Unless you have a stick a 250/292 swap will require a trans swap along with it. That would make for a nice driver that would look basically stock when the hood was open though.

The good thing is that motor mounts and a few pieces for a 63/64 car with a 6 make it a bolt in swap on the later engine. No rare or made of unobtainium parts involved.

[skymangs]

It’s 3 on the tree

[Dan in Pasadena]

I'll watch this thread with interest.

Especially if you end up putting a 292 or GMC 301 in your truck. If my truck had come with a straight six I would have kept it.

I've posted this photo before but it so impressed me I saved it. It's a very nicely dressed 250 in a '67 C10. I post it again as a reminder that you don't HAVE TO have an SBC or an LS to have a very cool truck. Best of luck. Please post photos of what you do!

[paintman]

ok you want to play that game? I'll se you your inline and up you mine!

[GreasyLikeaBurger]

Originally Posted by paintman

ok you want to play that game? I'll se you your inline and up you mine!

[iowaboynca]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

No rare or made of unobtainium parts involved.

Mr48chev, you gave us (or me ) konga ratz. You have now given us "unobtainium"...thank you!

Chris, glad to see you're back at things. I actually saw a 4200 vortec in a trailblazer @ PnP that gave me pause. The only reason i didn't go pull it was, "what am I going to put it in?" And like you mentioned the 3 on the tree, i think this one was missing its transmission (go figure)

Like i said glad to see you're back at things and if you don't get your 235, i know you'll come up with a solution.

[skymangs]

Thanks all, I’ve found a 250.

[dsraven]

chevy 4.2 has a different bellhousing than the other chevies and the starter is on the wrong side but if going automatic trans then the bellhousing from the 4l60e unbolts anyway and makes a run of the mill 4l60e swappable to the 4.2l chevy. these are computer controlled engines and I have yet to see or hear of an envoy or trailblazer with a std trans. do-able i suppose though.

[whitedog76]

Originally Posted by dsraven

chevy 4.2 has a different bellhousing than the other chevies and the starter is on the wrong side but if going automatic trans then the bellhousing from the 4l60e unbolts anyway and makes a run of the mill 4l60e swappable to the 4.2l chevy. these are computer controlled engines and I have yet to see or hear of an envoy or trailblazer with a std trans. do-able i suppose though.

The 4.2 uses the LS style 4L60E, yes, it does have a unique bolt pattern. There are a couple places that are fabricating small block adapter plates.

As far as manual transmissions go, the Aisin AR5 from the 2003-2012 Colorado/Canyon and the Pontiac Solstice/ Saturn Vue bolts right up to the 4200. The issue is that a custom flywheel will need to be fabricated.

Of course, there's a million other things that need overcome when swapping a late model engine into an early chassis.

Last but not least, the 4200 is kind of ugly, the 06-09's with the Aluminum valve cover are better than the 02-05 with the plastic, but it's only marginal.

From a personal standpoint, I don't really care about looks, I just care how it goes.

[dsraven]

If going for a different type of engine I always recommend getting a complete running vehicle. That way you get all the stuff you need. Then sell the rest of the leftovers. Engine, accessories, trans, driveshaft and yoke, rad, coolant tank, wiring, accell pedal and electronics, fuel tank, fuel pump, tank filler, exhaust manifolds and y pipe to get you started, steering column and shift linkages, pedal and brake booster, etc etc.

[whitedog76]

Originally Posted by dsraven

If going for a different type of engine I always recommend getting a complete running vehicle. That way you get all the stuff you need. Then sell the rest of the leftovers. Engine, accessories, trans, driveshaft and yoke, rad, coolant tank, wiring, accell pedal and electronics, fuel tank, fuel pump, tank filler, exhaust manifolds and y pipe to get you started, steering column and shift linkages, pedal and brake booster, etc etc.

That's why I'm hanging on to my 04 Trailblazer. I quit driving it after 220,000 miles. The front suspension is wore out and needs new shoes on all 4 corners.

Even going with a 250 or 292 can be problematic without a donor. Finding the right accessories, linkages. etc... can drive one nuts.