[63 Pontiac]

Looking for some thoughts on a "someday" type of project which would be an early 50's Chevy\GMC COE. The idea would be to replace the existing 235\SM420 4 speed combo with a Pontiac V8 and a newer transmission (maybe an NV4500 but open to suggestions). I'm guessing the rear end has 6.xx gears. Aside from the driveline I'd like to keep the rest of the truck near original.

So if I was to use a 389\400\455 what cam, heads, etc would be recommended? I have a '65 389 from a Grand Prix that needs a rebuild but would be open to a 400 or a stroker or whatever.

[chiphead]

Did the early chevy trucks have a torque tube like the sedans? You'd have to change the rear if it was. My other project is a '54 Bel-Air with a 2nd series 235 done up like a early-60s hot rod. So I've got a soft spot for the 235.

To replace one with a pontiac, you'd have to do a lot of work to the frame/suspension. The frames were narrow in the pre-V8 days. I'd worry more about the mods to the truck. Any Pontiac would throw a split window around very well. In my next life, I'd like to do this swap to a '58-59 Apache or a Cameo. I really like those late 50s trucks.

["QUICK-SILVER"]

Not a COE but there's a regular cab "big" 59 GMC with Pontiac power from the factory for sell on facebook marketplace.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...roduct_details

1959 GMC Manure Truck
Fort Smith, AR ·

1959 GMC manure truck
389 with a 5 speed transmission
2 speed rear
Good title
Running when parked
1500 asking price

I think it's got potential to be something else.
Clay

[hurryinhoosier62]

NV4500 parts are next to me impossible to find. I would suggest you contact Tremec as they produce several NV4500 replacements that are stronger than the NV4500 and DO have reasonable parts availability.

[63 Pontiac]

Originally Posted by chiphead

Did the early chevy trucks have a torque tube like the sedans? You'd have to change the rear if it was. My other project is a '54 Bel-Air with a 2nd series 235 done up like a early-60s hot rod. So I've got a soft spot for the 235.

To replace one with a pontiac, you'd have to do a lot of work to the frame/suspension. The frames were narrow in the pre-V8 days. I'd worry more about the mods to the truck. Any Pontiac would throw a split window around very well. In my next life, I'd like to do this swap to a '58-59 Apache or a Cameo. I really like those late 50s trucks.

I don't believe there's a torque tube, this truck has 16,000 lb or more GVW. Some of these COE's end up on a later chassis for the brakes and suspension but I'd rather use the original frame. The factory rear end ratio is going to be a little steep.