The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Engine/tranny/ swap for a 1942 1.5 Ton

I recently acquired a 1942 (VIN 9MS45426x) 1.5 Ton that has already been somewhat modified. The frame is still pretty much original and is NOT clipped, but the front suspension has been replaced with a later model (approx 1972) Chevrolet pickup suspension. It was drilled and bolted on - They did a very good job. Also, the rear end has been replaced with a (Chevy) 1-Ton Dually. The rest of the truck is all original.
Note: The steering box is located on the driver's side frame rail on the outside of the engine compartment .


Here are my questions and I appreciate any feedback...

1.) Is the engine compartment big enough (front to back) for a big-block chevy without cutting into the firewall or is a 305/350 about as big as I can go ?

2.) Are there any issues with (or suggestions) regarding a modified steering colum to fit the modern v8 conversion ?

3) Has anyone converted to a Modern V8 engine setup like a
LS1, LS3, Hemi, Viper, etc...etc...
I would like to know what fits and what doesn't, as well as any suggestions regarding engine/tranny selection and steering column fit.

Thanks for any feedback.
Mike

Photo

yes.

Mike the location of the steering box is pretty important. If the IFS is what you indicate, the steering box should be forward of the IFS a bit and spaced out from the frame. From my research the most common problem in making this particular swap successful is getting the steering box in correct relationship to the IFS.

You are likely to need to use some u-joints to get between the steering column and the steering box. But those issues are not as difficult as getting that box in the right place.

Regarding engine compartment length, mounting the motor ahead of the firewall isn't hard. Getting a big enough radiator in place ahead of a big block motor might be a problem. I've seen it done, but not owning an Art Deco truck I haven't paid attention to the particulars.

I can't help you at all on the non-GM modern motors. I wouldn't be inclined to even try any of them. The more modern GM motors mount a little differently than the classic V-8's, and they are a little more complicated to set up because of the EFI, but there is no reason you can not run one in a truck like you describe.

gazim....For an Extreme Gabster....you are a man of few words.

a Man of one word...and a smile!

Mike,

Anything can be done, of course, to Gazim's point. Question is how hard and (more likely) how much money does it take? Almost any motor will fit if you have the fabrication skills and/or money. I saw somewhere where a modern big truck (semi) motor had been stuffed in a pre-war pickup. Radiator had to go into the bed...

Having said that, you may want to search around the forum and Internet in general. You really have to decide on the end-product. You already have broken the bonds of a stock restoration. Are you going for a "period-correct" hot-rod look? Or are all bets off and you really don't care what someone thinks when they look under the hood? I think you are already in the last category...so...if you really don't have any affinity to any particular motor, you should get on eBay and Google and start pricing motors. You have to decide just how much horsepower/torque you can live with given your dollars you have for that. Don't forget that for whatever horsepower you want, you need a transmission and rear end to back it up. Price on a new stock F*rd 9 inch rear complete with disc brakes is over 2 grand with a Posi gearset.

If you are not intimidated by wiring harnesses and computers, add the modern fuel-injected motors into the mix. After several hours of searching on prices and horsepower, you will conclude what type engine you want. Then I think you will be able to ask a more specific question or questions and get some more appropriate help.

My .02...

Mike, I,m in the process of putting a LS1 in a 45 truck its a tight fit but it will fit