The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 348 stock engine mounts for 1958 and 1959

Hello All,

Does anyone know the stock length of the engine mounts used on 1958 and 1959 trucks with 348s? I have only been able to find "V8" front engine mounts and just trying to confirm that the 348 shared them with the 283.

Any input appreciated!

Hy 59ApacheGail, the 348 was only available as standard or optional equipment on the 90 or 100 series trucks, and they employed a saddle mount on the front of the engine and a single pad type mount to the center area of the front crossmember. This mount system has nothing in common with the 283 mount system, hope that helps.

Pretty sure if your asking about the mid side mount it was the same as the small block,that used that type mounting. Most were front Saddle type.
Flat hard rubber bolted to the block with three bolts and a single center bolt through the frame saddle from the bottom.

My 64 CM 80 with 409 was that way. Always thought it was weak for that truck. Should have been the front saddle mount.
Tom

Chev offered the 348 all the way up to 1965 along with the 409. 1960 through 1965 they were 60, 70 and 80 series. It was very common to pull out a 348 and bolt a 409 right in and vice versa. The 327 was the most logical retrofit for more power than a 283. In 58 and 59 Chev still offered the 322 as well as the 348. I'm not sure that I actually ever saw a 348 in a truck in 58 or 59. It took a couple of years for Chev to be accepted as a larger truck which had been dominated by International, Ford and GMC

There should be room in the engine compartment, but I would assume that you would have to find or fabricate a front cross member and motor mount to replace a 283 with a 348.

Hey Ken, The 322 was not available in 58/59 trucks, it only was available in the 10800 School Bus Chassis.

Also, the 348 was optional in the 1958/59 7000 Series LCF and standard in the 9000 LCF and 10,000 Series Trucks making this a rare thing to see today. The front motor mount "U" bracket for the 348 trucks was unique to them only (cars were different). Group 0.029 p/n 3739937.

I agree, a 348/409 will drop right in anywhere a sbc fits other than fabing the mounts.

I don't know the exact year, but trucks didn't use the "side motor mounts" until after 1959...cars started using them in 1958.

Mike B

Thanks for the all info guys!

I am planning a swap on my 1/2 ton, planning is harder without having the 348. When I posted I didn't realize the 283 is actually a little taller than the 348.
I am running a 283 on an original set of these:
http://www.classicparts.com/mobile/1955-59-Original-V-8-Conversion-Set/productinfo/79%2D375/#.VbrsI4r3anM

I am not much of a welder and don't want to screw up so I am trying to stay away from fabbing anything. As a result trying to stay as "bolt in" as possible.

Others have done the swap but I haven't found pictures of underneath.
The bell housings are supposed to be common between standard shift 283 and 348. Correct fan and fan shrouds are supposed to be bolt in, and these front mounts "should" work. The only issue is the left header is too close to steering and needs grinding.

Just a cool little nugget I dug up, you guys probably know this already... Only 4% of all the 348/409s built went into trucks.

Thanks again, hope to come back with great news and pictures.

It was designed as a truck motor...putting it in the big cars was an added bonus.

The bellhousing mounts are all the same. Bolt the 348 to a V8 bellhousing and set it in place. Then fab up the front mount.

Once you get the 348 you might find the 283 mount will work...Chevrolet probably wanted something a little beefier to take the torque a big truck would put on the mount. It might be ok on your pickup...

Mike B

I had a 59 10400 with the 348 in it. Got replaced with a 350 before I sold it. I cant say for sure, but the front saddle mount didn't go with the truck. May be hiding at the old garage.

Mrolds88 I am on the hunt for one please let me know if you have it and interested in selling it.