The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop V8 swap, what can the stock frame handle ?

Gobs HP and torque won't hurt anything if your wheels are just spinning! I am assuming though that with that much engine, you are helping out the rest of the drivetrain to get the power to the ground and not just spin tires, correct? I suppose it also depends on if you are launching it a bunch or how exactly you are planning on driving it! I had a 350 in my 59 Suburban and never had any issues, but the 302 in my Willys wagon cracked the front frame a bit... partially because of how I welded in the front engine mounts and partially because of 4.10 gears, 2:1 transfer, and 33" swampers on it! not near as much HP and torque out of the engine as you are talking about but, lots of stress on the frame.