Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 350 to replace my 235...am I Dee-Ranged?

My old 235 has a cracked block and also head gasket. It runs ok but blows a whole lotta white smoke, drippin' water out the tailpipe. I'm looking around for a 350, as I've heard tell that these are pretty easy to find. But I haven't done anything to the rear end ('cept scratch it! :D) and still have the ol' drum brakes. Not a show truck and not pullin' a boat, so am I in-sane to put a 350 in her? is this too much power for the hassle of it?

Thanks y'all.

That sure is alot to bore an old Jimmy block.

Oh, you don't mean that bent thing do ya?

I would think it would be just as easy to put another straight 6 in there, plenty to choose from, even the 4200.

Not going to get alot of folks going along with the V8 idea on an inline forum.
V8 & later L6 won't bolt to the 235 bell housing.

They are very easy to find. So are cow pies.

But I wouldn't want either in my old vehicles.

Look at the craigs list in you area. I would look for either a 235 or even a later 230/250/292. Todd

While a late 6 won't bolt to an early bell housing, a later bell housing will bolt to an early transmission, making this a easier update than sometimes thought. I've done it. I don't remember for sure but it seems to me I used a bell housing from a 3-speed car. I am sure it was a 1/2 ton truck with a 3-speed in it also. Its been a while since I done it and I'm sure I done it but don't remember exactly the parts involved. I didn't plan it, it just happened the parts on hand worked. 1 OL REDNECK

I've done it too. I think I used a V8 bellhousing from a 55-59 pick-up. The weak link was the u-joint in the enclosed drive shaft; I hated the low gears. Went to a 9" Ford with 2.70's and open drive line then sold the truck.. Good luck.

PS sometimes you do what you have too just to keep going.