Alright... quick update. The 6 cylendar engine (the original 235 ci) I pulled, including the accessories, is 630 lbs where as the 454 big block engine, and accesories, is roughly 685 lbs. I am removing the fan in favor of an electric fan mounted directly to the radiator.
Weight-wise, this is only a 55 lb difference. I don't see this as an obsticle in the least bit.
Turning the page though, the 454 that I am rebuilding will problably produce up to 400 lb*ft of torque (consideirng the parts I am putting into this engine). I am designing this engine for torque. On that note, I am looking at adding bracing to the frame in addition to providing more flexible mounting to the engine and tranny.
The bottom line is that I am seeing that there will be some seroius fab work. Although this is an amazing build and I am excited to complete it, I am finding that there are not a lot of manufactures that do not support the '54 1 tons... which makes this project incredibly interesting and challenging.
If anybody can suggest companies that sell 3800 series parts or kits, please reply to this thread. I can fabricate quite a bit... but if there is already a kit, I would rather do that (as I am sure you would too). Thank you in advance for suggestions.
