Posted by Grant on October 07, 1997 at 11:38:15:
In Reply to: Re: V-8 engine conversion for "53 M37 posted by Jim Duchanin on October 05, 1997 at 10:07:54:
: : I just bought a "53 M37 and the engine has a broken rod. I am interested in putiing in a 318. Do they bolt up t the original bell housing? What is needed? Will the clutch linkage be a problem?
: The truck has an original PTO unit. Any suggestions regarding keeping it operational with a V8 conversion?
Jim, as long as you install a truck transmission you can install a PTO. One big problem is that there not all on the left hand side like the original. Chevy SM-420 transmisions have PTO access plates and I have come accross numerous junkyard trans with PTO's still attached. This trans was used from 1948 - 1967 so there all over the place. Recalling from memory, the PTO is on the left side, about 99% sure anyway. Just make sure your ready for the work involved, before attempting a conversion, it would be way easier to replace the original 230 and beef it up a little like Alan 's talking. Do you want to take it out on the highway a lot?, if so you would probably be better off with a small V8. There's a guy who sells a instruction manual for converting to a chevy V8, he wants 35.00 but that's about all I know, his address is:
Jay Lucarelli
1143 RT 68
New Brighton, PA 15066
He's been advertising his book in the last couple Power Wagon Advertisers.
Good luck
Grant