54 questions

[Bill W.]

I sold my 54 project car to my brother. I had it 18 years & didnt touch it. So far he only has boxes of parts. he is getting the car this week end..He is pumped!My question is what year block & head will work for a driver. I had the intake,carbs,water tank water pump etc.but a previous owner kept the block ,head , & trans. need help as to what will fit ...Thanks Bill... ps he has found a 54 pass engine & trans will it work ?

[Kent K.]

Re: 54 questions

Bill ----

Almost any 235ci Chevy engine and head will suit. The transmission, however, will need a slip tube extension in lieu of the torque tube used on powerglide transmission cars except for some, if not all, of the '54 Pontiac powerglides. Note, some of my terms may be incorrect terminology and I hope someone will provide corrected information.

Sounds like my first Corvette, a '54 for which I collected parts during my 12 years ownership and sold when we moved due to lack of storage space.

Best, Kent #6201

[mike mccagh]

Re: 54 questions

a 235 out of a standard shift 53 pass car should be avoided(dippers on ends of red caps and hence not a full press oil pump system like the 53 powerglide and all later 235's equipped chevy pass car engines).the tail housing/shaft for a cast iron powerglide will have to come from a 53 to 55 235 vette or the pontaic( as Kent alluded to) equipped powerglides of 1953 or 54--can't remember when the fire at the hydromatic plant necissitated powerglide in pontiacs. mike

[Joseph T.]

Re: 54 questions

Bill

I have a six cylinder with automatic transmission that I took out of a 61 bubble top.

Come on down to Bentonville and I will give it to you...if your brother needs it for the 54 driver.

Joe

[Bill W.]

Re: 54 questions

thanks everyone he has found a 54 pass car with a powerglide.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 54 questions

There is a "kit" available to convert the 54 passenger torque tube powerglide to Corvette Hotchkiss drive usage. They're expensive.

The passenger cylinder head will have to be drilled and tapped for the bracket for the radiator overflow. Chuck