I solved that problem by installing a 350hp ( Gm was lying ) 396 into it in 1970. The engine is still in beautiful condition and belongs back in a Chevelle, so I am installing a 454 this year. I have to admit that it moved pretty good with the 4.57 gears and a Hono-drive overdrive for better highway mileage. I am going to re-install the stock rear end and use the 3.90 gears with narrower tires, in the hopes that I won't tear it up.
There is another reason I am doing this, I want to do things like install aluminum heads and I don't want to lose any of the original parts from the 396 because everything matches.
I re-checked the tag, yep, 109 hp @ 3900 rpm
I have never personally seen a 55 Cameo that wasn't a 6 cyl, 56 and up seemed to be mostly V8's.
It is really easy to tell if the 55 frame is made for the 6 or the V8. The front crossmembers of 55 frames with the factory installed 6 didn't have the pads for the V8 engine. I had to weld in the pads so that I could install the 283 back in 1969. I can't say that this is common to all the 55 trucks, but mine was made in Flint, which would lead me to believe that it was common practice for that year.
Bob
