Stack
Newbie
Posts: 3
Reg: 07-21-22
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08-07-22 08:55 AM - Post#2845571
Hi, I just pick up a 48 fleetline sportmaster German helmet. It is stock 216 motor 3 speed transmission. Was wanting to know what the best engine, trans and rear end combo would be. What I am looking for is something reliable won’t over heat and can go on long drives. Not looking for a hot rod. Something that can cruise the streets. But can do 65 to 75 on the freeway for long drives.
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 889
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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08-07-22 09:25 AM - Post#2845573
In response to Stack
Hi Stack,
I have a 46 Fleetmaster with a remanufactured 57 235. I put a 5 speed T-5 out of a 93 Chevy S-10 pickup for the transmission. Since the T-5 wouldn't work with the original rear, I found a 1976 Camaro rear. The gearing was 2.72:1, That was a bit high so I changed the gearing to 3.42:1. Lots better.
I can roll down the interstate doing 75 mph all day in 5th gear and the engine is only turning 2100 rpm. I've driven from North Texas to just south of New Orlean, about a 600 mile trip, and only slowed down for gas or to eat quite a few times.
For me, that setup works fine. I know others on here that installed V-8s or other engines that I'm sure work fine. That's the fun about these old cars, get an idea, then go for it.
Good luck, you'll get lots of ideas on here.
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
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Stack
Newbie
Posts: 3
Reg: 07-21-22
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08-07-22 09:54 AM - Post#2845574
In response to Jack Crain
How much modifications is needed to the frame with that setup?
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 889
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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08-07-22 12:53 PM - Post#2845578
In response to Stack
Not much, really. The 55 and up 235 will need a short water pump to fit in behind the radiator. I used the original bell housing and got an adapter plate from a place in I think it was Ohio, for the transmission to fit onto the bell housing.I had to cut out the transmission cross member and welded up a new one. The old one didn't line up, it missed by about 8 inches. I got a new set of leaf springs for the rear to fit but I wished I had kept my originals. The new one sag pretty bad and would be great if I went squirrel hunting at night, my headlight shine way up in the trees..Some people pay good money to lower their cars,
I had to have a driveshaft made at a local machine shop.
Oh, I had to modify the panel that covers the transmission in the floor and move the seat back about 3 inches so the shifter would work. A lot of this was stuff I just ran into and dealt with, but I did get a lot of help on here.
I'm sure I've missed something but maybe someone will jump in and help out.
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
Edited by Jack Crain on 08-07-22 12:57 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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drec
Newbie
Posts: 1
Reg: 10-17-12
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09-18-22 10:45 PM - Post#2847508
In response to Jack Crain
My 47 has a later model 235, and I used the later water pump and pressed the hub back on the shaft, then used a Ford pulley. After pushing the hub back, then cut off the excess shaft.
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