1953 dodge b4 engine swap options

[1953T04]

Hi everyone, I bought a 53’ b series last summer and worked away this winter on cosmetic stuff like the bed, wheels and interior. I’m now in the process of getting the truck moving! My current 218 is ring seized. Will a 331 hemi fit on the engine mounts or is my only option a 230? I also put new shocks in and have restored the original wheels which are 5x4.5 so was thinking of upgrading the rear end to a 3.55 grand cherokee. Kind of like the idea of keeping the 3 on the tree ? 

[Los_Control]

@Bob Riding would the original 3spd transmission mount to them?

To be honest I have no idea about the bolt patterns for Mopar transmissions.

Fords they changed the bolt patterns 6 times a year ..... Chevrolet they were good about keeping them the same for all engines forever.

 

I think that is the real question, what engines will work with the factory 3spd transmission?

15 hours ago, 1953T04 said:

Will a 331 hemi fit on the engine mounts or is my only option a 230? I also put new shocks in and have restored the original wheels which are 5x4.5 so was thinking of upgrading the rear end to a 3.55 grand cherokee. Kind of like the idea of keeping the 3 on the tree ? 

 

I think a 218 or 230 would be the only direct bolt in.

When installing a V8 it has been done a million times, I often hear about them moving the engine 1" to the passenger side to clear the steering box.

 

I remember a few years ago some one here had a real sexy yellow with black bed truck he daily drove in CA .... He installed a hemi replacing his running driving 6cyl.

Think he might have a thread here on it, I cannot remember their name to look it up. ...... Maybe someone here can remember?

Have not seen him here for a couple years.

[ggdad1951]

Watch the parts trading/offers/etc. 

[Bob Riding]

1 hour ago, Los_Control said:

@Bob Riding would the original 3spd transmission mount to them?

To be honest I have no idea about the bolt patterns for Mopar transmissions.

Fords they changed the bolt patterns 6 times a year ..... Chevrolet they were good about keeping them the same for all engines forever.

 

I think that is the real question, what engines will work with the factory 3spd transmission?

I think a 218 or 230 would be the only direct bolt in.

When installing a V8 it has been done a million times, I often hear about them moving the engine 1" to the passenger side to clear the steering box.

 

I remember a few years ago some one here had a real sexy yellow with black bed truck he daily drove in CA .... He installed a hemi replacing his running driving 6cyl.

Think he might have a thread here on it, I cannot remember their name to look it up. ...... Maybe someone here can remember?

Have not seen him here for a couple years.

Yes on the 277 Poly as the wagon I pulled it from was the original 3pd manual (3 on the tree), which I still have. Not sure on the 360.

 

[Los_Control]

Just now, Bob Riding said:

Yes on the 277 Poly as the wagon I pulled it from was the original 3pd manual (3 on the tree), which I still have. Not sure on the 360.

 

I think what I'm not being clear about ..... will the 1953 truck bell housing bolt up to a 331 hemi, a 277 polly or a 360 ....

Bob you have the transmission that came with the poly, you know it fits. ..... What about the op truck transmission ..... will it fit?

 

I think when doing a engine swap from some thing other then stock, having a correct transmission or adapter is a  big 1rst step.

 

I think on a chebby, you can take a turbo 350 bolt it to a 6 cylinder, move it to a 350 sbc, then move it to a BB 454 .....

 

But what about a Dodge? .... What engine families do you have to stay with for a 1953 truck 3spd bell housing to bolt to?

 

 

[kencombs]

The six engine rear has a unique pattern.   But both the early poly and hemi share a pattern.   There is one housing that will fit both.  Late 5s 0s-60 trucks.

 

Its center hole is much larger than the early housings but is the same size as an A833OD front bearing retainer.  So my Franken-truck with said trans is getting a six but ready for a poly or hemi should I locate one.