Did you guys remove your stock bellhousing crossmember when you did your v8 motor swaps? i cant see how you could keep the crossmember and still get the right transmition angle. BUt i do not want to sacrafice the strength of my frame. I do not think this will be a problem because i will be adding two more tubular crossmembers to the frame. I am going to cut the rivets out tomorrow and take out the crossmember, i was just trying to get some imput before i start cutting, Any info would be awesome... thanks Garett
Ok so i airchizled out the stock bellhousing crossmember and then fitted up the newtubular tranny and engine crossmember and it all fits togeather beautifully. I didnt not know chevy duty had a tech line so after calling them and conferming that the bell housing cross member had to be removed i set out to work and am very happy with the results, thanks guys Garett
My Truck uses the original bell housing and crossover ? I think there are some bell housing differences.......
I have done it both with the stock bellhousing and changed it all out also. My first 59 used the stock motor mounts and bellhousing with a 350, we had some clearance problems around the balancer. Later projects have all been sub framed with very good resultes.
Good imformation guys... I am at this stage in my project. I am running all stock front end suspension. I set my 409 engine in the engine bay where it seamed to fit the best. correct clearance from the radiator, steering box, firewall etc.... I am going to move my original bellhousing cross over support forward by 3 inches. I just havent figured out how I am going to support the front of the engine. I just got all the rivets out today on the crossover. I will post back as I make progress.
My '56 Chevy project is getting a '95 Buick Roadmaster LT1\4L60E. I had to move the transmission crossmember ~3" towards the rear to accomodate proper support and alignment. Remounted the crossmenber using 3/8" grade 8 bolts. The engine mounts were made from 1/2" steel plate. The frame was boxed were the engine mounts were welded. Positioning of the engine was made easy by making a cardboard template of the firewall and marking the frame before the cab was removed. Plenty of room... Not much can compare to the fun of working on your own ride! Roy Magnolia, TX
RE: 409 mounted Ok guys, this is what I did to my 56 chevy pickup. I positioned a 409 engine in the bay where it was centered well and all clearances were satisfactory. I moved the bellhousing mount crossmember forward 3" and bolted up the belhousing mount. I raised front of engine to where the fan fit the radiator and shroud. Also checking all clearances again. Then I bolted up a tubular universal V8 conversion motor mount and bolted it to the frame. I also installed a universal tubular transmission mount under the 4 speed. The guys on the 409 forum say that they have a lot of trouble with breaking motor mounts. I dont think I will have a problem with this overkill set up. I read in these forums that you can't use the belhousing crossover... I am so hardheaded P.S. I can put a 409 engine in a place that a 6 banger was but I cant figure out how to post a photo.....go figure
RE: 409 mounted [updated:LAST EDITED ON May-16-06 AT 09:40 PM (CST)]I used the original bell housing for my 350 swap and bolted up a Muncie 4speed on the other side of it. I like the stock look of the pedals, clutch and brake. When they ask what I've got in it, Old School guys like the sound of "350 4speed." The reproduction V8 bellhousing cover comes in two parts and fit perfectly with the late model motor and starter. I did have trouble with the distributor. I had to run a points distributor because the HEI rubbed the fire wall.
RE: 409 mounted I use the same original bell housing with the muncie 4 speed. 283 cu in motor w/ HEI and I had no trouble with the firewall ? Yours must be on a much steeper angle or something? Shawn
Thats why I moved the bellhousing mount forward 3". The engine sits centered in engine bay and HEI has plenty of room. I can even get to the bellhousing bolts easily.
