My question is, why not???
All the SBC engine requires is a change of bellhousing to make his original transmission work. The torque tube goes from the tranny to halfway back to the rearend, doesn't it? Then you get a regular driveshaft from where the torque tube ends to the differential.
It's a simple matter to change out the diff for one that has 3.73 gears, and then get a yoke put on the driveshaft to match the size on the new diff.
Sorry, but I don't see the problem. In fact I've done exactly that on my truck, with a 350 in it.
The only thing is, the position of the stock tranny puts the new engine too close to the firewall. You can't use an HEI without some firewall clearancing, and if you ever think you'll need to pull the valve covers off, you'll need clearancing for that too. Then mount the new motor mounts wherever that puts you.
The bellhousing you'll need to find was made in the 70's, and on the tranny side it matches the 4 bolt pattern, and on the engine side, it matches that bellhouse bolt pattern. I did have to cut my bellhousing to make room for a conventional starter though.
I used a 10.5" Corvette flywheel (60's vintage) and a brand new clutch. Even the spacing for the clutch fork was exactly the same...if you use the inline six's throw-out bearing.
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Correction...I did not notice he was changing the tranny. Sorry I misread the original post. Please see my new response below...
Last edited by Hot Rod Dad; 02/06/2008 9:29 PM. Reason: I'm mental
