The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Motor mounts for 283 swap in a 55 second series

Ok. I've got a 55 second series 3200. Currently has a '60 passenger 235, I'm swapping to a '60 283. Most likely with a t5. I got the motor by chance from a buddy who was having it rebuilt, but sold the car before it was finished. The motor is still at the shop so I'm not positive about its mount type, but from what I can tell from researching, the mounts are on the side and totally different from what I have in the truck now. I expected that. The mounts on my 235 aren't on the front, but on the front sides. They are the stem type with the biscuits. I keep finding so many different mounts that are supposed to bolt in for the swap that I now have no idea what will or will not work for me. As soon as I see one that I think is right, I find something else that is different and and gets me rethinking. Does anybody have any pics on what they have used, or what parts worked for you?

I fount this kit on speedway. Has anyone used it? It looks like it would work.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Chevy-to-1955-1959-Chevy-Pickup-Motor-Mounts,8473.html

Chevy to 1955-1959 Chevy Pickup Motor Mounts

Matt,

If you use a TF V8 Bell housing and these front V8 mounts it will bolt right in.

http://www.classicparts.com/1955-59-Original-V-8-Conversion-Set/productinfo/79-375/#.Vlz2xnarS5c

The T-5 will hang off of the bell housing (others will need to confirm the trans bolt pattern on the T-5 is the same as the SM420).

I have this set up in 3 of my trucks all running SBC's.

Note, I left the radiator in the 6-cylinder position on my '56 3100 and installed a 16" puller electric fan...works great for me.

Mike B

Ok, at the risk of sounding stupid, what is a TF bell housing? I have seen these mounts before, and from what I have seen of the 283 side mount bolt pattern, I'm not sure how they would work. All of the 283 mounts I have seen look basically square with 3 holes for mounting. The ones in the link look like what I currently have on top at the motor, but I cant picture in my mind how the bottom would work with the crossmember. I am not questioning that they will work, but I wish I could post a picture of what I have. It might be easier to understand than what I a describing.

Task Force (TF)...it the trade name Chevrolet gave to it's trucks made from 1955 (second) thru 59.

These motor mounts bolt to two bolt holes on either side of the timing gear cover (at the engine) and the frame brackets bolt into the three factory holes on the cross member.

What you are discribing are the true "side motor mounts" which started in 1958, but the trucks and Corvette's still used the front mounts for many more years. The holes needed were drilled and tapped in the blocks up until about 1970 (don't quote me on the date).

Mike B

A word of caution, when bolting the mount bracket on the front of the block, passenger side, use a short bolt in the top hole. A long bolt will lock up or even bend the fuel pump push rod. The factory designed all you need for a V8 so no need to re-engineer.

Matt...the setup at Speedway are side mounts that need welded to the frame. The setup at Classic parts that MikeB gave are like the original mounts (I recommend these). To use front mounting, you'll need the lower mount brackets that attach to the front crossmember (these were riveted on at the factory) and the upper V8 brackets (the V8 and 6 cyl brackets have different bolt hole patterns). You can reuse the threaded rods and hardware off the 6 cyl. If you can find a V8 truck in a salvage yard, get them to cut out the crossmember to get the brackets and then have them remove the rivets. Hopefully they won't damage the holes. These brackets can be bolted to your crossmember (the holes are already drilled). If that's not an option, get the setup from Classic parts (it's probably going to be cheaper). I swapped out my 6 cyl with a 283 recently using original brackets I was lucky to find on eBay. PM me your email and I can send you photos of the setup.

You'll need a V8 truck, NOT a car one, bellhousing as the 6 cyl one won't fit the 283. Test fit the tranny to the bell housing to make sure the front bearing plate fits snug inside the opening and it bolts up without modifying the bolt pattern. As MikeB said, the tranny will hang off the bellhousing, it's only supported by the bellhousing.

Oh and another thing, the throttle linkage is different too. If you're wanting to keep it looking as original as possible, You'll need a V8 linkage, the 6 cyl linkage will not work. I have a V8 linkage if you're interested. It needs blasted and painted.

Thanks for all of the help. It is always appreciated. There is so much mung on my cross member that I cann't see the v-8 front mount holes. That on top of my limited knowledge...but I am learning a lot along the way from both trial and error and this sites members. The help is better, and less expensive!! Cablemill, I'll send you a pm on the linkage.

The V8 mounts (original) are added on to the cross member. The original mounts bolt to the front of the engine. There are no side mounts on a 1958. The rubber mounts are similar to the 6 cyl mount spindles and rubber cushions. There is a bracket that also mounts to the front of the engine (right and left "L" shape) that attach to the spindles. I have seen these kits online also. Also take note from "COILOVER's" suggestion about the shorter bolt on the passenger side front mount.

Trucks did not start using "Side Motor Mounts" until 1960. However, starting in 1958 ALL Blocks were cast with the "Side Motor Mount" bolt bosses, even though they weren't used.

Mike B

One thing about the front "original" style mounts is they do make a lot of room for headers.