Champion automatic to standard swap

[52-fan]

I have a question for the old time mechanics in the group. I just bought a low mileage and long neglected 54 Champion automatic car to get the engine for Old Spot, my 52 Champion. The 52 is a three speed with overdrive. I know that on the later V-8 engines the flywheel bolts must be changed when going from automatic to standard, but is this going to be true on the 52-53 six? My parts book does not mention automatic drive in the section that shows the flywheel bolts. Does anybody have experience with the Champion engine change over? [?]

1952 Champion Starlight since October,1971. 1962 Daytona
since May, 2007.Searcy,Arkansas

[gordr]

You should have no problem. The Champion six has a thicker crankshaft flange with threaded holes, and the bolt go in from the rear. You probably should use the rear engine plate that matches your transmission, and dial-indicate the bellhousing for concentricity.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[52-fan]

Thanks Gord, I have had Old Spot for a long time , but I have never had to mess with the clutch or flywheel before and I don't have the donor car here yet. I wanted to be ready so I didn't get half way in and find some problem that held me up.

1952 Champion Starlight since October,1971. 1962 Daytona
since May, 2007.Searcy,Arkansas

[Roscomacaw]

Gord??? Where in the heck did that come from? The Champions I've dealt with sure don't have threaded holes in the aft crank flange.[B)] Both 6s and 8s use the same bolts at the rear and the ones for an automatic are shorter than those for a stick shift car.
The pan and rear main cap have to come off to swap them.

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[52-fan]

Mr. Biggs you just rained on my parade, but I guess since I will have the engine out and paint it before I install it won't make much difference either way.[:I]

1952 Champion Starlight since October,1971. 1962 Daytona
since May, 2007.Searcy,Arkansas

[gordr]

quote:Originally posted by 52-fan

Mr. Biggs you just rained on my parade, but I guess since I will have the engine out and paint it before I install it won't make much difference either way.[:I]

1952 Champion Starlight since October,1971. 1962 Daytona
since May, 2007.Searcy,Arkansas

Biggs is right. I'm really sorry to have led you astray on that. I was playing with Champion engines today, and clearly they use crank flange bolts the same as do the V8s. NOT the exact same bolts, I don't believe, but the same length issues with auto vs. manual.

I know WHY I made that error. I looked at an OHV six crank stored in my barn, and it indeed does have a thick flange with threaded holes. I don't know if that particular change came about with the adoption of the large-journal crank in '55, or with the Lark 170 in '59, or even if it was only late-model OHV sixes with full-flow oil filters.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[Roscomacaw]

OK Gord, we'll SHARE the credit here. You're correct in that the change to 185 cu. inches saw the adoption of threaded holes in the crank.[:I] This required different bolts as well and continued thru '64.
51 thru 54 tho, 6s and 8s used the same bolts in the same fashion - which maintains the rain on 52-fan's parade.

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe