The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Engine Mount Option for SBC Swap on Stock Frame

I'm not sure what everyone is doing for engine mounts when swapping a SBC into their 40-54, but here's an option you may want to look into if you're doing the swap. I've never used it, I just happened across it: Chassis Engineering 40-54 Chevy Truck SBC Engine mounts

i have used their stuff while mounting a sbc in my 49 chev...I also used their pacer front end mounting kit along with their transmission cross member and their complete rear end kit with optional rear sway bar....their products are of high quality with fairly clear directions which they will let you preview before you purchase...only glitch I ran into was the steering shaft making contact with the motor mount....a simple notch took care of that...I recommend them highly....hope this helps.....dave

yes, I used the mounts on my 52 Panel. Measure twice and bolted mine in. Engine fit down on them like a champ. I really like them and I'm happy I decided to do it this way. Pictures are in photobucket. Couple good shots.

Achipmunk, those mounts are nice! Couple questions: Is the motor sitting at the right degree? Does this company make the trans cross member? I see you kept everything stock. How does the old suspension, brakes and steering like with the power of a v8?
Sorry for all the questions, but I`m on the verge of "Maybe" a frame swap, but seeing yours...maybe not.

...they do make a cross member and lots of other vendors as well.
The engine sits very nice. I'm running the big distributor and I can still "cup" my hand around the back of it. When "leveling" the engine I did cut maybe 3/8" right at the top of where the tranny cover goes to the firewall. Created no problem and all is well.

I have drum brakes all he way around. (Disc MAYBE later) However it stops doggone good. I've had to "stand on the brakes" a time or two and I was really surprised. The power steering works like a charm. If you go power steering be sure to make sure your tie rod ends are good or use the new ones. The power steering probably puts a little more pressure on the ends. I used the news ones from Classic Parts and you do not have to ream the holes.

It handles pretty good for a Panel but I did HAVE to put a sway bar under the back. It could get a little hairy on a sharp turn being its top heavy. After installing the sway bar it drives good.
Hope this helps.

EDIT: if you go small block on original frame you may want to think about using the brackets off a 4.3 Chevy S-10 so you can run a serpentine belt. All you have to do is change the water pump. The one for the 4.3 will bolt to the small block. I love the serpentine system but since I'm running an electric fan I did have a SMALL problem with the back of the electric fan wanting to rum the belt tensioner a TAT. A little adjusting and all is well. The S-10 brackets hot the power steering pump, alternator, A/C. Check out my photobucket for some pics.

does anyone know if a kit like these will work on a 52 2 ton? or do they make a different kit for bigger trucks?

These are flathead Ford type mounts and both CE and Speedway offer different length mount brackets that you can cut to size to fit your frame. They are a very clean set up that doesn't block pan access but if one is using a fire breathing torque monster then a tube that joins the frame rails together and has the mounts on it is a better choice. Any mount bracket that attaches to just one frame rail always has a twist on that rail from both weight and torque. Factory mounts are usually on or very near a crossmember. Fine for 90% of applications.