I saw a post about a 348 in a stovebolt and it got me thinking. I have a 46 COE 2ton that would be wild with a 348. I also have a built 348 with the big heads, good size cam and 3x2's that I built for a 58 Wagon a few years ago.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2746668050106367558zfMZjhI don't see the wagon project going anywhere in the next 10 years, and if it does I have another rebuildable 348 and 3x2 setup for it.
I did some quick measuing and I think it would fit so that lead me to thinking about the problems I would run into.
1. All the COE's I've seen with V8's have the engine behind the cab. But I think all the v8 COE are on modern frames and sit lower on the chassis. I will not put the engine behind the cab.
Anyone seen a COE on the factory chassis with a v8 in the original place? The small & narrow inline 3x2 would fit nicely under the factory doghouse.
2. Brakes pedal and Clutch would have to be hung for the firewall. Would have to go to a hydraulic slave cyl. on the clutch. And figure out something with the master cylinder. Maybe the factory one would be just fine if I could get it mounted to the firewall setup.
3. I think I would need a vaccum pump. The 348 has a fairly big cam with a 108 LSA so it isn't going to generate much vaccum. Has anyone used a vaccum pump to assist with the hydro vac brakes. I'd disconnect the 2sp rearend and convert to electric wipers.
4. I would have a bellhousing problem but I think that is an easy fix. The 348 is hooked up to a saginaw 4sp. I'm guessing that would bolt right up to my existing tranny.
5. The steering box is way up by the front bumper and won't be in the way.
Anyone think of any other issues I might run into. I'm not looking to go faster or haul more.
