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I have been working on placing a 52 GMC 350 on a 86 Chevy Frito-Lay step van frame. It has a 4bt Cummins and Chevy auto trans with over drive. I have the cab and front sheet metal all mounted but I think I need to move the motor back. I would like to get you guys opinion on if I should move it. I am thinking about moving it back 3 inches but I will have to cut the firewall a little at the bottom. Right now the radiator will have to be in front of the Rad support along with the intercooler and electric fan and it will be tight.
Thanks
Brad

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Hy Ameritowruston, that looks like it's going to turn out to be an awesome truck. I see why you are contemplating moving the engine back a bit. I don't think that will cause any problems and it may solve a couple, good luck with your project.

agree with you and 3B. Unless moving it back messes with steering or something, sounds like a good idea. Shifting will not be an issue with an automatic, and radiator behind the support gives you more room up front!

I'd move the engine back as far as practical, or cab forward, however you're going about it.

Consider lifting the cab a few inches to make room for transmission at the firewall, I raised my 48 cab 3" (or was it 4"?) to help with this.

Also consider how the transmission would be removed for service/repairs in the truck. It'd be poor planning to have to later hack the floor or remove the cab, or remove entire front clip followed by engine and transmission just to get to the torque converter. So you might need to cut the floor and extend the transmission cover up the firewall in any case?

I am planning on making a removable trans tunnel anyway to help with trans removal. I don't think I will have to raise the cab any to clear it but I will make sure. Grigg I absolutely love your truck and I bought all the parts to copy your truck, but I am going to use a GMC 640 for my next build. Thanks everyone for helping me make my decision.
Thanks
Brad

So hows this very cool project going? I stuffed a 4BT into my '46 1.5 ton and it was really tight to say the least. At least the P frame was made to handle the motor. BTW...which 4BT do you have (HP)? And do you have any plans to pump it up?

I have the VE pump (105HP)? right now but I just bought a 130HP P-pump engine last week and it will make its way into the truck. I think some pump mods are a must and maybe a different turbo. I have to look and see what is on the P-pump engine already. If I left it where it is now I think a 6bt would fit with some firewall cutting. I just don't want to do that because the cab is already kind of small.
Thanks
Brad

Mine is an all mechanical 130hp P-Pumper with an HX30W turbo. Plenty of grunt for my tiny school bus but I might play with the fuel screw a bit. Not hard to get 150 reliable ponies out of these little 4 bangers. And I had to set my engine back nearly two feet just to squeeze it in between the narrow frame rails. My new firewall is where the dash used to be. Much easier fit into the post war, straight frames than the tapered 42-46's. Still have a lot of fabricating to do to accommodate the engine location. Working on a "doghouse" right now. And as you have no doubt noticed...finding room for a rad, intercooler, tranny cooler and fans calls for some creativity. Best of luck on the build and please do post some pix as you progress.

Are you going to have room for the driver in there?