The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Needs specs on engine info (year, bolt, etc)

I have a 1958 chevy 1/2 ton apache stepside pickup. I am gonna make it pro street and i would like to drop a chevy 454 in it. I don't know what year would fit in my truck or what year make or model i would be looking for. i was thinking it would be a 4 bolt cap right? need help please respond.

Welcome to the Stovebolt! You've got quite a project cut out for yourself. You're right, you will need some help.

No 454, or any other big block, fits. Small blocks will fit, especially if your truck came with a 283. If not, get the motor and tranny mounts from one that did, and go that route.

Stuffing a big-block in means a lot more welding and fabricating and parts-fitting, etc. - and $$$, too. Figure on serious money. The big-blocks are also much heavier, which won't help handling much.

I'd suggest stuffing in a serious small-block. You'll wind up with more performance with a good small block, than a hacked-and wedged BB.

Good luck!
George

Thank you Very much George Grenley. I realize i got a big project ahead. I wanted to use the 454 because i want big power. As of mmaking it fit though i do't think i have a problem, i might be wrong. i am gonna put a camaro front and rear suspension in but as well i don't know what year will be the right fit, so that also mean the steering coloum and box will be located differently, i think it will also have a 605 steering box. hopefully That should make the room for the engine. Other things i plan on doing is putting in a 350 turbo manual tranny and a posi chevy 12 bolt rear end with a 4:10 ratio.Would there be any conlflicts with any of that? But lets say that a 454 couldn't do then what would anyone suggest for a SB, besides an obvious 350.
Tnank you... for any helpful responses

Roddin it out, are you? As far as I know the 350 tranny and 12 bolt will fit. As far as smallblocks go I love the 400, or a good 383 stroker, there are lots of sb cars out there that will fly. But, hey it's all up to you!!!
Look around, the answer will come to you.

GrannyLow

What's your budget? A big-block is wide, so you will need to move steering and maybe other things, too. If it were me, I'd get all the suspension stuff done first, to make room for the motor.

There are a few hotrod shops out there that put stroker cranks in 400 blocks and get 415 to 427 cubes out of it. It's not cheap, but neither is a pro-stock 454.... 8-)

A TH350 might not be strong enough unless it's built up a lot; maybe a TH400 would be better?

If it were me, I'd run a small blower on a 350, instead of a big block. Plenty of HP, and I bet it's cheaper....

Cheers!
George

Thank you for all your help. Yea then most likely i'll go with a 400. It seems more cost effective and possibly just as powerful.no matter what though i was gonna have a blower. i plan on having all my body work done and modifications done all the rust cleared and sheetmetal work done then having the suspension done. I still am clueless as to what suspension i am looking for. I want a camaro suspension but i have no clue what year will clear for a nice fit if anyone know that'd be great. As far as the engine goes again, i want at least 600 Horses in the end. I am hoping to get compression between 8:1 and 9:1 so i can run about 7 psi on the blower. If anyone has anymore suggestions or comments please post. Thanks for all the help.
Ryan

Ryan: Check Summit they are selling Crate motors that are putting out BIG HP! Very Expensive but I would do motor first then make everything fit around it, no small task tho!! Rearend is right on (your thinking). Remember BIG HP means a lot of stress on everything so build strong. popcorn The Truth is Out There (OH to be young again)

Going back to the frame suspension. How expensive and effective would a frame swap be? Would it be worth it? I would loose the extra weight and rid of rust altogether. Seems more logical. then i wouldn't have to worry about switching out a suspension. were could i find a frame replacement and what are the prices? It would be easier to build everything around that. :confused: