SBC & 3 speed standard compatability

[Father&son56project]

My son and I just picked up a 56 3200 pickup as a father and son project. Its nice and solid and the only thing missing is the engine. It had a 6cyl with a 3 speed standard transmission. We have to keep costs to an absolute minimum right now, but as we need an engine anyhow, we may as well pick up a used small block, which are easy to find. I read that the bellhousing pattern in 1956 is different between the 6 and the 8, so my question is: Is there an easy way to keep the 3 speed standard while adding a small block, or am I making a dumb newbie mistake in trying this? This is our first shot at something of this vintage, and I'd like to avoid expensive/dangerous/dumb mistakes!

Thanks!

[bensimmons_05]

Hey, and welcome to the board.

I really wish that I could help with your question, but since I cannot, I am here to demand PICTURES!

We'd love to see your project.

I'm sure one of these very knowledgeable guys will have an answer for you pretty soon!

[dwcsr]

The bell pattern on 6 cylinder from 47 - 63 is diffeternt than a V8. In 63-64 they changed to the V8 type pattern.

The 55-59 on they did come with 265 - 283 CI engine with a max Gross HP of 230 . So if you stay under that with your new engine you should be ok with a stock 3 speed as long as he doesn't hot rod it.
The other option I would think about for about the same cost would be to get a used 350 with a th350 automatic attached and drop that in. But you would have to shorten the drive shaft to make it work.

For a stock 6 to V8 swap you need a motor and a 55-67 V8 bell housing. The bell can sometimes be hard to find and cost up to $100 by itself. But then you don't have to modify the drive shaft as you would with a 350/th350 swap and you can retain the stock 3 speed.

[dwcsr]

The bell pattern on 6 cylinder from 47 - 63 is different than a V8. In 63-64 they changed to the V8 type pattern.

The 55-59 did come with 265 - 283 CI engines with a max Gross HP of 230 . So if you stay under that with your new engine you should be ok with a stock 3 speed as long as he doesn't hot rod it.

The other option I would think about for about the same cost would be to get a used 350 with a th350 automatic attached and drop that in. But you would have to shorten the drive shaft to make it work and fab up the shift linkage

For a stock 6 to V8 swap you need a motor and a 55-67 V8 bell housing. You also need the front engine mounts and frame brackets. The bell can sometimes be hard to find and cost up to $100 by itself. But then you don't have to modify the drive shaft as you would with a 350/th350 swap and you can retain the stock 3 speed.

[Father&son56project]

Thanks for the quick replies! We will most likely just find a used straight six for now, as this will get us on the road quicker and cheaper. For the long term, I like the 350/TH350 idea. Pictures are coming soon!