The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop just bought a 54 dumptruck w/no engine

The title is a bit false... I actually do have an engine, two in fact tho both are in the back box of the dump. not much good there I think. The original 248 seized with no engine covers and full of dirt and a 270 that "ran" 4 years ago but smoked "a bit" sitting on its side in the rain for 4 years too. Both are not worth rebuilding plus I have a 72 350 rebuilt for propane that I want to install instead.
I know its pretty straight forward to put the 350 into the 54 and thru reading here know there are kit crossmembers and mounts to fasten it in however I am unsure what bellhousing would work best. Do I need a new flywheel or will existing one work. New clutch? exhaust manifolds to make fitting easier(sourced a 265 manifold)?
All the propane gear I have except a saddle tank to mount on the frame.
Any suggestions to make this swap go smoothly or any tutorials online for guidance would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks

You will need a V-8 flywheel. Always put in a new clutch. Use a bellhousing from a 55-65 V-8 truck, it uses the angle mounts that should match the crossmember on your 54. In addition the 3 bolt starter to match the bellhousing and flywheel. You did not say what transmission you are going to use. There are clearance issues on the left side between the exhaust manifold and the steering box on pickups. It may not be an issue providing the frame is wider on larger trucks.
You will also need new throttle linkage components to work with the V-8.
Fred

So far I have bought a 55-65 bellhousing part # 3815891 and a 265 exhaust manifold that should solve/lessen the exhaust clearance with the steering. I also ordered the engine mount conversion kit from performance online. clutch and flywheel will probably come from summit or jegs.
another question I have is what clutch fork do I need with the bellhousing I bought?
I also had to order two new tires from S.T.A. as mine were bald.
So far all is going well, pulled the engine and propane equipment from my 72 and will probably look for an electric cooling fan for the radiator to improve the cooling and reduce HP drain.

Use the clutch fork from the original engine if you have it, that way it will match the clutch linkage on the truck.
Fred

Electric fans take electric power to function, that comes from the generator or alternator that is powered with the IC engine, so, how would one get more power with an electric fan?

Use a stock fan and be happy.

Ed

I had assumed the clutch fork for the 248 would be different than one for a small block 350

Ed
IMHO I think the more power theory behind electric fans is that they don't run all the time. The "mechanical" fan is absorbing power continuously. So the net power can be greater with the electric fan.

SimS

The type of engine is not the issue with what clutch fork to use, the bellhousing centerline, transmission input shaft and the pivot ball are still in the same location.
I have done numerous 235 to V-8 conversions and used the existing fork with the V-8 bellhousing.
Fred

Good to know I dont need to buy another clutch fork then.
Tonite I removed the transmission to get the inch thick grease/dirt off it and get it checked out and new gaskets put on it.
The U joints for the driveshaft and PTO are toast, lots of side to side play.
My parts arrive friday so I can spend the weekend seeing what needs to move or be "adjusted" to fit the 350 in there.
I'm hoping the 265 exhaust manifold will eliminate or reduce the need to move the steering box.
If I'm allowed yet or know how to post pics I will try to show what I am doing...
thanks again

Skip. you are allowed to post photos. Follow the policy and procedures at the bottom left of this page.

OK here goes with a photo
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1p8Glvcg3DybOg2X2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vOApBO0KYoONXfzz2
I'm new to this so hopefully it comes thru

Photos came through fine, good looking truck.

Ok
After much tweeking ,adjusting, skinned knuckles swearing etc...
I slotted the bellhousing crossmember almost an inch towards pass side , moved the steering over at least 2 inches AND using a 265 exhaust manifold my 350 fits... sorta.
My choices are using the rams horn exhaust, the exhaust clears everything but the manifold is touching the steering box. OR using the 265 manifold I have at least 3/4" clearance with the steering box BUT the exhaust dumps on top of the frame (frame is narrower forward) and would probably need to cut at least 3/4" of frame away on top....
any suggestions???
https://photos.app.goo.gl/IlayH9IWuBJx7WO53
https://photos.app.goo.gl/89L0hoUIyA7RtwG42

If I remember correctly the left hand manifold for a 265 exits to the very rear. It could be the one in your picture is for the right side.
Fred

Unfortunately no... The drivers side dumps to the front and pass side dumps at the rear which when moved to drivers side also dumps at the front BUT dos'nt have a generator mount...
its great for sideways clearance(giving an extra 3/4") but does dump at the front
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wx1fEPedvIToZjF53

Would a little creative plumbing of the exhaust pipe be possible? Maybe an offset just as the pipe meets the flange for frame clearance?
Jerry

I did just that. Went to my local muffler shop today with my exhaust manifold, described what I wanted to do. In about 5 mins he bent a tight 90 with a flange to the manifold then 45 bent downwards handed it to me and said free of charge, smiled and sent me on my way....
I know where I'm going for the new exhaust for the truck now.
I only needed to cut a bit of the frame away to fit the pipe with a bit of clearance too
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DldIuJPBhS0drX5l2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VrpORD4KNDXbcnHZ2

I am convinced that putting a 350 into my dumptruck is like playing a game of wack-a-mole. You solve one problem and two more pop up!!.
Today I was going to install my drivers side exhaust manifold permanently with a new gasket and the brake pedal had been pushed down by accident by some things in the cab... it hits the last bolt of the manifold!!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QFV3xcoLQCWsgeW22
I assume someone has dealt with this too? I am hoping someone may chime in with their solutions to help me from staring at it for an hour and humming in a puzzled way?
If not, after I'm done humming and figured out a fix I will post MY solution to save someone else from having their spouse wandering up and saying "honey, why are you just humming and staring at your truck?" and having to make up an excuse like "it helps me think"

Any updates skip? Can I assume yourevhaving these issues because it's a dump truck?

Thanks
Bob

A 302 would fit nicely!

Ed