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

I didn't see anything with a search, so forgive me if it's been discussed. But I have a '56 2 ton, currently has a 283 and I'm wanting to put a 454 in it for more torque. (I haul gravel sometimes, heavy loads).

It looks like the heads might get real close to the firewall and steering sector? I'll have to build motor mounts but I'm not too worried about that. Anyone ever try this?

Nothing that can't be overcome with a BFH and a torch. Guys do this swap all the time. Take your time to fit everything the way you like. There is a solution for all the fitment problems. Others will chime in who have done it. Great project and will be a hoot when finished.

Thanks Martin, I'm sure you're right, and I don't mind modifying the firewall a little, but that steering sector would be pretty tough to move without a lot of work. I have headers, and can mod them too, so there is that option.

Dropping the block off today at machine shop, going with the summit 1301 cam, copying the Hot Rod Mag build they did with this cam/intake/carb combo, it made 511ft lbs of torque and 408hp. That should haul some rock...haha

Welcome to the Stovebolt

The BB should bolt right up to the bell housing, add side motor mounts and your done...almost! I think you'll need to use rear dump exhaust manifolds to clear the stock steering.

Not trying to change your mind, but a 350 would bolt right in and give you all the power you would need. My 8400 Tow Truck has a 350 2-barrel with stock 4-speed trans and 2-speed rear and I can cruize at 65 mph all day long. The Rams Horn manifolds fit with no alterations needed.

Don't forget to replace all of the brake lines (steel and rubber) as the fail from the inside out. I would not trust 60 year old lines.

What trans do you have?

What Series is your truck?

Pictures?

Mike B

I'll second what Mike B. said. Also, if you put in a BB, you may also need to beef up your cooling system.

My 59 1/2 ton Suburban has a 350 and SM465 (not quite as low of granny as the stock SM420). I have a 3.40 rear end in it (not as low as stock 3.90) and was able to get my 58 2-ton on a trailer moving along just fine. I weighed 17,340 when I rolled across the scales.
A 350 should have a lot more torque than the 283 (could also go to a 383, which is a bit longer stroke so more torque than the 350).
454 is doable, but may not need it.

Thanks for all the input!!

Martin: good point, I don't mind "massaging" the firewall if I have to but the steering sector is what worries me.

Mike B: True, a 350 would be fine, but I already have this 454, it's in good shape, and to tell you the truth I just love big blocks. It's dumb, I know. But it'll be a kick to drive.

I don't know what tranny it is, but I'll find out soon when I pull it out, I'm going to have 3rd gear fixed, it pops out sometimes.

I'll go dig up some pics and report back

Good point, I am planning on a new radiator, the old one is shot anyway.

I'm up in the mountains, and going up big long hills with a full load of gravel is pretty rough. With my luck I'll probably twist a driveshaft with all this torque..ha

Martin, Mike B, I typed out a response but it's not showing up. Maybe waiting for mods, but the reply to 69Cuda showed up right away?

At any rate, thanks for the input! I'm not sure on tranny details yet, but i'll be pulling it out soon to have 3rd gear fixed (synchros, probably). I do have headers for the 454, so I can modify them if needed to clear the steering sector.

Just for discussion sakes, how about a diesel, 5.9 cummins. I haul a lot and am planning on a diesel swap. I'm guessing you already have a 454, etc., so saving money would be a factor.

I would love to have a 5.9 in there, but it's a lot more money and hassle to convert than I'm willing to tackle right now.

'56

'56 engine bay

Not sure how to embed pics, but there are two links above to a couple pictures of it

8flat, I understand about going up hills with a full load. Pulling the 58 up the I-90 Vantage hill I had to drop into 3rd @ 3,000 RPM and was barely able to hold it there. More torque (from the extra 100 cubic inches) would have been nice! Any idea how much do you weigh full of gravel?
Sounds like you have a 454 already? That can tip the decision a bit!

You might see about talking to Grant Ensrud.

doesn't look like Grant is a member on here any longer.

An NP -540 series( 5 speed) come with Chevy bolt pattern, closer ratios for hauling loads. Al shift tower, 4 shift rails.

Ed

Yep I already had this 454 sitting around, I just dropped it off at the machine shop today.

Good question about weight, I have no idea. It has a massive spring pack and it'll squat right down on the overload springs.

Gary

I'd love to have a 5 speed. But I suppose I'd have to swap out crossmembers?

That is a cool truck. Wonder if he ever got it done?

You have the 2-speed rear in yours still, right? That should help with gear ratio... although I have not driven my 2-ton yet.

I also have a clark 5-speed overdrive I was planning in putting in mine, but it has an SAE #3 (I think that is what it is called) bellhousing so, I need an adapter ring from something like a C7000 to put it behind the Chev V8.

8flat,

You never said what series your truck is?

To show us pictures you need to put your pictures on the photo host web site like Photobucket and then post the link to the picture.

Mike B

SAE #2 bolts are 4.750" cl to cl, SAE #3 bolts are 4.375" cl to cl.

Ed

Yep I have the 2speed but it quit working a couple months ago, I need to check it out. Old original vacuum unit, so I'm guessing the rubber diaphragm looks like an old prolapsed cow. haha

How hard are they to convert to an electric style?

Sorry Mike I had posted some links to pics at the top of page 2 of this thread, did they not come through?

It's a second series, if that's the proper terminology. Looks like a '57 chevy. I love the thing, kids love it, other gearheads love it, wife hates it. (it's stinky) HAHAHA which makes it even better.

Gary

The Series would be 4400, 6400, 8400, 10500 etc., this tells us what size truck you have.

Your links are broken, can you fix and re-post?

Thanks,

Mike B

Ahhh, got ya. I guess I was thinking '55, the first series was the old body style, etc, correct? At any rate, it's a 6400. I'll try the pics again in a minute.

Let's try this again:

'56

OK I see the problem, the pic I was linking to wasn't "shared" in google photos, so I only I could view it. It should work for you guys now.

GREAT looking truck! looks like some great assistants as well!

We've had fun with it. This is all the material I hauled to build a road into some land I bought, it was like a big sandbox for both kids and dad..haha

road pic

And this is another reason I'd like to have more power. Little small blocks just don't have enough torque sometimes...haha...although in cases like this I'll have to be careful to not twist a driveline. I had to use my tractor to pull it out from this spot.

stuck

8flat,

That picture worked...nice truck!

You have a 6400 Series 2-ton...

If it were me, I'd drop a 350 in and call it a day, it's a simple swap since there's a 283 in it already. The 350 will do more than the truck can handle...if you overload the truck the 350 will still move it, the BIG problem will be stopping it! Fix the 2-speed rear and run it in low rear while loaded and switch to high gear for the empty run home. She will go 65 mph empty.

Mike B

Mike B. with the stock rear end gears and 9R22.5 tires, that will go 65? Any idea what the RPM is at that speed? (winding up pretty good, I'd imagine? 3500 or so?)

I had a stock '55 6500,with 9:00X20:00's,a 261,with a SM420 trans. Top speed was 55. I believe Mike B.'s truck does achieve 65,since he's mentioned that fact in several posts. But,yeah,I'd think that would be "winding up pretty good",in an otherwise stock drivetrain.

My Fire Engine has a 200 hp 322 V8 with a NP 5-speed (direct) and a 8.36/6.14 2-speed rear with 11.00 x 22.5 tires and I bump the 4000 rpm governer all the time and will run 62-63 mph at 35-3600. Oh, and it weighs 14,200 pounds without water in the tank.

The Tow Truck with a stock 8.72/6.40 2-speed rear with 10.00 x 22.5 tires, a SM-420 trans and a 200 hp 350 V8 2-barrel will run faster than the Fire Engine as it doesn't have a governer and it weighs 4,000 pounds less.

Maybe it's just the way I drive, I'm not afraid to get the rpm's up and keep them up as that's where my power is. I've been in lots of convoys with the ODSS Stovebolter's and they NEVER have to worry about leaving me behind!

Mike B

Are you running 9.00 x 22.5's on a 2-1/2 ton truck? That sounds small to me, I would have thought they would be 10.00 or even 11.00's.

And yes the rpm is up there!

Mike B

Mike B. Mine is a 2 ton.

sorry about the 69cuda.

You're good...9.00 x 22.5's are right at home on a 2-ton!

So many guys with similar trucks and projects, I don't know why I can't keep it all straight in my head...lol!

Mike B

8 flat check out on you tube Mark Fugazzotto,and her on stove bolt has same truck with 7.3. He has modified a wiring harness that's great for 7.3 in a 49 6400. You will probably be able to offset your engine a few inches to the right to clear gearbox we both did.he has original front suspension,I have installed a P3032 IFS out of motor home.