Small block in 53'

[chevy99]

I am going to be putting in a 327, small block v-8 chevy in my 53 half ton. I was wondering if there was anyone w/ tips on doing this. I am also going to be putting a 5 spd out of a camaro in it too. Any tips here would be helpful too.
Now about motor mounts has anyone used the v-8 cross member from chevy duty. How is the vibration from it? also would the tranmission crossmember, work with the 5spd?


David

 

[GreatNorthWoods]

David,

I haven't used the Chevy Duty motor mounts, but I can tell you that if the mount is a cradle type mount, it should work fine. Also, on your transmission mount, you need a mount that will drop the transmission about three inches from stock to get enough floor-to-bellhousing clearance so you won't have to re-work the floor. A new crossmember can be fabricated from the original if you choose. You will also want to move the transmission crossmember forward about three inches to get the distributor off the firewall and the engine closer to the radiator. If you are using the stock steering box, you will have to move it 1 1/2 inches to the left to clear the exhaust header. Use a 307 Chevy smog manifold on the left side as it has an indentation right where the steering box is, or use block hugger headers. Hope this helps...

 

[chevy99]

How much does the chevy duty transmission crossmember drop the tranny?
Thanks
David

 

[Craig]

It drops 7" from the top to the bottom.