Well folks, took Mator's block to the shop yesterday and found out his heart is broken. He's a goner. I'm pretty torn, since anywhere near original is now out of the question. Now, I've decided to give him my all time favorite since I was in HS, a 283. I know it's not period correct, but so what. I knew that since I'm putting in AC, I'm not original so why bother, right? This is gonna be real tricky, and I'm gonna need some serious help from all of my new friends here. I'm bidding on a muncie 4speed from ebay, and if I win it, I'll have a better idea of what to do, but please, any suggestions? The builder (in AZ) is just waiting to hear what tranny to build to, and they're off. Six weeks to build, and free shipping to my door. Of course my first concern is mounts, and from there, cross member for the tranny, and will my drive shaft fit or will I have to have it cut. If I get this far, hopefully I'll figure out a lot on my own. Wish me luck guys. Woody
Sad day, But just a new chapter. Try the 283. It may bring out a new side of fun. Keeps it from getting old. I love my 235 but if it gives out then I guess its time to move on to new things. Sorry to hear the bad news. Hope you enjoy the new engine.
Thanks Mike, If you ever need any of the bolt on parts, let me know. I'm gonna throw em in a corner just in case.
engines diagnosis Nate, The block has a crack that runs almost it's entire length down the right side, and just found out yesterday that the head also has an unrepairible crack in it too. Good thing I found that out, since I told the engine shop "don't bother, since I'm going another route". Guess they needed to justify cashing my deposit check. No worries though, since my new engine is being built, and I won the trans on ebay Sunday night. I was really looking forward to the engine build though. The tranny win was my second real bidding war, after losing one earlier Sunday. I learned that it's all a matter of luck on who hits the button last. Ordering the Bell housing, etc. today. My only regret is that I'm having to take a second look at my wish list of stuff to buy. I was going to go ahead and purchase just about everything I need for the truck, up front. Now, it's going to take a little longer, but patience will prevail. I had figured that if everything was here waiting for me, then I have no excuses. Anyway, thanks for asking. Woody
Powertrain Choices O.K. then , sounds like you'll be happy with it . Interestingly , one of the guys in my shop has a '48 with a 283 and just a moment ago he asked me how much trouble to take it back to a 235..... It seems it was all fun & games 30 years ago when he had the V-ate swapped in along with the 4 speed but it broke the U-Joints & chewed up the rear end , now he's just another old man who wants to cruise his hobby truck on the weekend and he knows I go everywhere , ' 6 In A Row , Makes It Go ! ' so he thought he should follow my lead , I told him to leave the 283 in it and sort out the piddly stuff that's always messed up on older rigs first . To each their own , I'll die an InLiner Man .
