When I acquired my 59' it had already been converted from a 235 to a 283. It used the original style V8 bell housing that mounted at 2 points to the rear engine crossmember. The front mount was a cradle that ran under the balancer and bolted to the front of the block( where a later V8 power steering pump would mount). The cradle mounted to the front crossmember with studs or rods that ran through the mount using rubber bushings similar to shock bushings. The 283 cleared the fire wall nicely.

I changed the design and made side mounts in order to free up the engine mounting points for a power steering pump. At the time I mocked up the engine the plan was to use an HEI, as such I moved the engine mounts forward 1" to aid in clearing the firewall. Since that time I have decided on using an MSD distributor and ignition box. I had planned to make brackets to move the bell housing mounts forward, I have since used a Muncie 4 speed (Car type) and tail shaft crossmember.

The center dump ram horn manifolds will clear everything on your truck.

~ Craig
1958 Viking 4400
"The Book of Thor"
Read the story in the DITY
1960 Chevrolet C10
"A Family Heirloom"
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'59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)

If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane