Jerry this was my first real step transitioning from planning to building. My brother was visiting for the holiday and we just got carried away 'playing' in the shop. I feel pretty committed to going the Cadillac direction, since I now own two 500's, but if the issues are insurmountable I want to know before I make changes that can not be reversed.
I share some resistance to comletely removing the bellhousing crossmember and since I know others have used this motor I'm hoping to learn what they did before making a plan.
Regarding the front crossmember I'm a bit less concerned. The stock crossmember appears to perform three functions (1) tie the front together providing strength and stiffness at the front of the springs, (2) mount the radiator and front sheetmetal and (3) mount the motor.
In my application the motor will be sidemounted somewhat behind the original crossmember location, and I think loosing the back few inches would not be a cause for concern. Of course that presumes my motor mount solution does not cause new problems.
Dale on your truck things are quite a bit different. You have a single big crossember that mounts the suspension and is the stock location for motor mounts. The 500's mounts are probably further forward, but not a lot. If the truck was a manual it had the same type of bellhousing crossmember, that I'd bet its been removed. And I believe the stock type automatic crossmember can be moved to work in your truck. I'm glad you are pleased with the way it operates, that confirms what I expect with mine.
There is at least one Stovebolter running a Cadillac 500 in an Advance Design truck which I believe has an original frame. I'm hoping any guys with that setup will speak up!
