The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Moving V8 Forward In 56?

Oh Smart Ones,
I know that the way most people accomplish moving the engine forward is to use an engine crossmember and a transmission crossmember, however we want to use the 465 transmission that came with our 350 from a 70-C/20. Does anyone know of a kit or parts that would still allow us to utilize the original style bellhousing to crossmember mounting? We are already putting in an engine crossmember to allow easier accessory mounting on the front of the engine. We only need to gain an inch or so forward to have clearance for the large HEI distributor. Are there other solutions that I'm not thinking of? We are trying to not butcher a rust free cab and are looking to do bolt in only mods to preserve this truck in case we decide on a full restoration in the future. Any and all insight is welcome.
Thank You,
Gene & Jr

The classic way to make room for a HEI is a big hammer, and pound that area of the firewall back a little. I don't know of any way to move the engine forward in relation to the bellhousing without messing up the clutch-to-transmission relationship. I guess you could try to slot the mounting holes in the crossmember and move engine, transmission, and all forward about an inch, but that will mess up the position of the front motor mounts, driveshaft length, etc. It would also make the hole in the floorboard for the shifter out of place. I'd either go with a point-type distributor, or pound the firewall with a BFH!
Jerry

Jerry,
Am I actually allowed to use a B(big) F(ford) H(hammer) on a Chevy?? Wouldn't there be a chance of some sort of infection or something? Seriously though, we'd rather not "damage" a nearly perfect cab. Your points about clutch etc. are well taken, so now I'm thinking about low cost, small diameter, distributor options. Did GM make an electronic distributor without the coil built into the top? I know that there are aftermarket units available, but they don't fit under the heading of "Low Cost". We are hoping to find some boneyard parts to accomplish our goals.
Thank you for all thoughts,
Gene & Jr

Yes, there's a small-diameter V-8 distributor, but it's got computer-controlled timing, no centrifugal or vacuum advance, so that's not an option. You might consider an early-style "window" distributor with an aftermarket electronic ignition conversion. There are no factory-installed electronic distributors with spark advance except the HEI, to my knowledge.
Jerry

I did one of these a while back. I used the old window type dist. 1957-74. I used the Crane electronic conversion kit. It is very simple to install. This keeps the nostalgic efect.