The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 454 in a '56 6400

I have bought other parts he makes for my 7.3 swap in 49 6400.I have moved my gear box forward of axle and power steering. Worked inside fenders mostly for ps pump. Moved engine forward then very limited fire wall mods. Just enough fire wall mod to clear down pipe from turbo. Moving radiator forward about 5 inches .

Mike B: so it's a 2ton and not a 2.5ton? Is the difference just spring pack size?

Thanks for all the other info everyone. I'd go with a 350, but I have a pretty decent 454 just taking up room in my barn. Plus I just like big blocks.

Chuck I checked out that guy's videos of the diesel in a '58, he does nice work! Moving the engine forward might be an option for me also, we'll see how things fit. I bought a set of corvette valve covers that have the indent in the back for better clearance, I hope that works. I'm very interested in your power steering conversion, I've been contemplating that conversion to make it easier for the kids to drive it, I can use this to teach them how to use a manual..haha.

I hadn't thought about shifting the engine over to the right.. IIRC the tranny mount is curved, will the crossmember let the tranny move over to a new set of holes? I can't remember exactly what it looks like under there now, I'll have to crawl under it this weekend.

PS Mike I have a set of heavy lug 10R 22.5's off a semi that I'm going to have mounted on the rear, that'll help the effective gear ratio a little for highway travel. I don't recall for sure but I think what's on there now is 9r22.5

8flat,

The 1-1/2/2-ton trucks are different than the 2-1/2 ton, the frames are bigger as well as the springs. The fenders (larger wheel opening and flare) and grille are also different (extra opening below the grille bar). Take a look at my pictures in Mike's Garage (link in signature below). The blue farm truck is a 6400 and the Tow & Fire trucks are 2-1/2 ton.

The 10.00 x 22.5's will work fine on the rear, but they will rub on the front in the '56 (they work on the '57 and up front as the front axle is 2-1/2" further forward).

If you are going with the BB you will need to install new side motor mounts as I don't believe the BB has the bolt holes for the TF style front mounts. With that said, you can then remove the existing bell housing cross member and add a new trans mount and place the engine/trans where it works best for you (forward and to the right). You can also move your radiator from the V8 position to the 6-cylinder position which will give you more engine space (5 inches).

The 454 won't even break a sweat moving your truck, but it will like gas! I'm thinking somewhere in the 5-6 mpg range, loaded or not.

Mike B

Mike I would agree it would always want to turn into a gas station. A nice 6 L modern gm would provide entry of power with better mpgs. Add stand alone computer to control it. Or 4-6 bt cummins

I would love a GM 6.0liter LS engine, that would be the perfect route, but would take a lot more time to convert. Oh well, I'm not too worried about MPG in a giant truck that won't get driven that often.

Thanks Mike. I found a nice set of universal motor mount bracketry from Welder Series. I also have an old set of BBC headers I have no problem modifying, so hopefully we can clear the steering sector without to much difficulty.

Thanks for the info, that's interesting. Cool pics, I like your truck collection!
Gary

Update: pulled the engine last weekend, and decide what the hell, as long as we're this far I may as well pull the tranny and have it checked out. It pops out of 3rd gear and the input shaft has a lot of play so the front bearing probably needs replaced. I'm going to see about getting it rebuilt.

Update: just got the 454 back with a fresh bore, machined crank, and rebuilt heads. Now we just have to put the engine together! Love this stuff.