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Wednesday I brought home a Chevy 2nd series 3200 (replaces a 1970 chevelle I sold). I still have the engine and trans from the chevelle and here is why: 383I, cola crank, childs 6 inch rods, 10:1 kieth black pistons, Brownfield aluminum racing heads (220cc runners), 830 cfm holley on victor jr intake, tilton plate transmission alignment to a built T400 with 2800rpm stall. The 3200 has a 3/4 ton truck 235 engine, with a 4 speed. I want to install the 383I and the T400. For now I'll keep the front end original. Possible use of different crossmembers. If I use the front mount engine mounts and aftermarket T400 crossmember, would my hedman husters (1 3/4 tube, reworked to fit angle plug heads) from the chevelle fit? What if I use an aftermarket motor mounts for the side of the SBC? How long will the stock 3200 differential live behind that engine / trans combo?
TIA,
Joe

You'll have to use an aftermarket crossmember and mounts to install the V-8. Also, you'll need a bellhousing from a V-8 era truck, you'll have to modify the steering column and box someway to make room for the wider engine, convert to 12 volts, etc. Your rear end should last up to the point that you start driving the truck,LOL. Don't know how well the headers will fit, but I know rear dumping manifold will. Welcome to the Stovebolt,
Scott

I take it this is a 55 2nd series truck. You will have to use side engine mounts with an auto trans.& remove or modify the crossmember under the bell housing. There are some nice crossmembers available in the aftermarket for this purpose & are cheaper than you can build em yourself. The rear end will stand up depending on how you drive it but the ratio is not good for highway driveing.

True, this is a 2nd series truck. My 383 has the bolt holes in the front of the engine to use original mounts, but you don't suggest I use those mounts and opt for aftermarket engine side mount and I already know I would have to use the aftermarket tranmission mounts fot the Turbo400. Will the original steering box get in the way of most full length hedders? I see block huggers are available, but to take full advantage of this engine, tuned full length hedders are really the preferance for me.
TIA,
Joe

We're talking about a 51 YO differential with un-told miles that's probably never had the grease changed. It probably has worn out bearings and an inch of slop. I'd say it will last until the first time you dump the clutch.

Does anyone read the entire, original post anymore? All three of you refer to the bellhousing and clutch. He is putting in an automatic.

Joe, Those front mounts won't hold up to the gobs of torque produced by the 383. Side mounts are available for your truck or a tube mount from countless vendors.

Sounds like money is not really an issue, you can change to a toyota steering box setup available from many vendors that will solve your header problems and give you power steering.

I think traction will be a real issue for you. T400 hooked up to a 3.90 rear isn't going to be a lot of fun to drive. A 3.08 posi from a 68-72 truck or blazer would be a nice replacement.

This is a 50 year old stock pickup, unless you are boxing the frame and putting in a 4 link rear, the difference in tuned full length tube headers and some center dumps or cast iron manifolds is probably not going to be real noticeable as the frame is gonna twist and the springs wrap up every time you stab the pedal. I doubt the headers you have will fit.

I see your issue, your gonna have to spin it up to use that XE284. How about detuning it a little to work better in this application?

Thanks for the responses. Now I have a question about the toyota steering box. If I convert to a toyota steering box, is there enough capacity from the power steering unit to accomodate a hydroboost unit for braking assist? Will I have to cut the the transmission cross member out to use a Brother's truck or CPP transmission cross member (for my sbc/T400 combo)? The XE284 cam likes low gears and the chevelle had a 3.73 diff, 3.90 will put the engine in the working RPM. The previous owner rebuilt the front and rear suspension, steering box, 235I engine and differential 2 years ago. I did some preliminary measuring and it appears the headers will be tight, so I may have to prepare for block huggers. I like the Hedman hedders, because I have some bucks into them (reposition the #1 tube for angle plug heads, 1 3/4 primary tubes and ceramic coated) and they worked well with the engine combo. Sorry for all the questions, I'm just starting to learn about these trucks. The guy I purchased the truck from removed the cab, painted the frame and put some decent paint on the truck and reassembled. I have a nice driveable unit for 5000, so this transition is on my time schedule.
Thanks again

Since you are into Grand Nationals, why not put a turbo charged Buick it it?

I would consider installing a LC2 engine in the truck, but I recently sold my 70 Chevelle as a rolling chassis. I couldn't let the 383 go with the car (too much money and sweat went into the last SBC I'll ever build, BBC would be my next choice).

4.3in84toy:
Since the factory transmission mount id so beafy, is it possible to maintain or modify the facatory transmission mount just for frame stability? And put in the aftermarket trans mount behind it?

I would certainly try to keep the stock crossmember if possible. Maybe you could cut the center out and then weld a piece back to sure things up. I've got a buddy with a pro street 55 2nd and I look at what's been done there.