The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 55-57 V-8 SWAP ?

will a v-8 install into a 55-57 3100 1/2 ton with relative ease ?
i seen somewhere where they had a v-8 as an option from the factory, so i would guess it would.
if so, just bolt right in, or is there andthing that i should take into consideration ?
how about an auto trans ? basic install or some modifcation ?
thanks again for the help in advance.....

Yup, V8 was an option. The factory style mounts are still available, and all smallblocks have the mounting holes for the original mounts on them. The only other thing you'll need is the correct bellhousing with the rear mounts if you go with a stick. For an auto, that may take a little bit of fabbing to get a solid mount. Perhaps using an aftermarket side mount adapter (Speedway has them) in conjuction with an aftermarket rear mount will work.

thanks for the fast reply.
another question. do the 55-57 trucks have the torque tube type rear ends witht he ong tube thing ? or are the like a normal rear ?
also, do they have front straight axle or independant a-arm type ?
thanks once again...

55(2) through 59 are basically the same truck, all have an open drive shaft and a straight front axle.
Fred

ok, cool.... can live witht he front straight axle, but the dang torque tube rear is very strange.......

It,s a great way to go. I,ve done several of them. If you are not going to put an automatic or power steering use the original type front engine mount kit. It keeps the original cool look. You can get an original throttle kit from the specialty suppliers or you can get a Lokar or possibly use a hanging pedal & cable from a 73 up truck. The v-8 is lighter then the old 6 & the weight is further back. It makes the truck steer easier & drive better.

I made up a spreadsheet listing all of the parts needed for the conversion. It also has approximate item costs and some sources. If this would be of some use to you, send me an email and I'll send it to you.
Fred

hey wrench fetcher, yes, please send me the list you have made for the swap... thanks much.
[email protected]

I would like a copy of your list also, getting ready to tackle a 58 fleetside. Thanks Mike Bourg
[email protected]