I just did a 283 in my '58. Not sure what the problem is, mine sat right in there. I pulled one of the metal brackets off the engine and had the spindles in place onto the frame. I got the engine lowered in (tilted slightly to the rear) and got one of the bell housing bolts started. Then I lowered almost to the front mount, and then got the second front mount bolted back on. Then the second rear mount and tightened them all accordingly.
