The cool Chevy motor in 1961 was the 348. You might look for one of those or maybe the 409 which didn't arrive until 1962 but looks the same.

I'm a fan of big blocks and own a couple of 454s. None of the questions you ask represent difficult issues to solve.

Bellhousing should not be a problem. Weight is more, but only a couple hundred pounds, so its not a killer issue in a truck.

I don't think the motor mounts are a problem.

The issue I would be concerned about is that SM420. They are pretty tough, but were not designed for the 500 ft lbs of torque a mild big block can put out.


1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble...