350 - 6 cyl interchange

[Hemi-Hunter]

hey guys,
i have a 83 GMC 1/2 ton pick up that i just put a 350 w/ forged pistons and a crower solid lift cam and valve train, cam specs are intake 284 ehx 296 adv. dur 504-504 lift. i also have a bone stock 79 chevy 1/2 ton that has a 6 cyl with a 3 speed on the column it came with a 12 bolt posi rear end. i want to take the 3 speed out of the '79 and put it in the 83 GMC and install a floor shifter.
Questions: will the bellhousing off the six fit the 350? will the flywheel off the six fit the 350. since the 83 is automatic i believe the clutch pedel out of the '79 will bolt right in the 83 along with all the clutch linkage? will i need the crossmember from the 79 as well as the drive shaft? i plan on installing the 12 bolt from the 79 and disgarding the limited slip 10 bolt from the 83.
any other interchange info would be helpful.

thanks

[josh bichard]

Hey hemi hunter, I'm not sure how many versions of that 3 speed they made, but I don't know that it would be strong enough for that 350. Ofcourse that would depend on what you are doing with this truck.
My buddy restored a 77 chevy stepside and when he went to get an estimate on getting the 3 speed rebuilt, the tranny guy told him he would probably break it. He was running a very mild 400. He ended up just converting it to a turbo 350.

good luck, josh

[Rrumbler]

I believe the bellhousing will swap over. I doubt that the three speed will stand up to the warmed over 350 for very long; however, a 4 speed Muncie or a T-10 out of a first generation Camaro or Firebird, or a Chevelle or other mid-size, or a three speed from a Firebird will bolt right up to the bellhousing, and should be the same length as the three speed you have, and same output shaft splines. An easy swap.

[NTFDAY]

I ran a junkyard 3 speed that came from a 66 Chevelle 6 banger behind a mild 400 sbc, Isky 30/30 cam, headers and 650 dp with no problems in a 62 half ton. I had a 3100 lb pressure plate built for that combination and ran it with the stock hydraulic clutch mechanism. I did go through 3 stock rear ends though.