The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1952 chevy 3/4 ton engine swap

I would like to put a 327 in my truck but am not sure if the frame is strong enough to hold it can any body help me and woould also like to get rid of the split rims anybody know what other rims will fit

Welcome Creasy, a 327 wouldn't weigh a lot more than a stovebolt six. The mounts are different, I wouldn't worry about the weight. The split rims are a thing of the past, good idea to get newer ones.

Leo

will 8 bolt wheels off a newer chevy fit or does anybody know thanks

Go for it Creasy, Not sure if the frame on the front of a 3/4 ton is the same as a 1/2 but lots of guys putting V8's in them. Including me. Some pics of my small block sitting in my half ton are in my photobucket if you'd like to browse.

EDIT: Welcome to the Bolt. There's bolters around your area probably. Keep watch, they're lurking round!!

There are quite a few folks who have installed a V8. I get the impression that one of the difficulties is that the steering column gets in the way of the exhaust. There should be quite a few posts on the subject.

Also, lots of us have gone to 16x6" wheels on these 8 lug trucks. There are a lot of posts on that too. New trialer OEM style seem to work out OK and now Wheel Vintiques are selling new ones to fit.

Pick up a copy of Street Rodder or Rod & Custom magazine there are numerous vendors that offer mounts, independent suspensions,all kinds of stuff. Realize that 95% of the stuff you look at will be for 1/2-tons so you may have to do some measuring or final fitting of your own. I used 16 x 6 wheels off a 1991 Chev 3/4 ton burb and modified the original caps to fit. I also modified my steering and tie-rod ends for clearance so be aware.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/2292616490102454676DiZHOP

The frame is plenty strong, and the small block V-8 actually weighs less than the 6-cylinder by a little bit. You'll encounter some interference problems between the steering column and the driver's side exhaust manifold. If the truck has not been converted to 12 volts, that will be necessary, as it's difficult, if not impossible to swap the V-8 starter and ignition system over to 6 volts. There should be some good info on both exhaust systems and 12 volt conversion in the tech tips section.
Jerry

I dropped a 350 into my 1950 3600. The frame is very strong. V8 mounting kits are available.
Many modern 8 lug wheels fit, just watch for back spacing issues. Also, to drop in a V8 you will need a power steering box relocation kit, and you will need to reverse the front shock mounts (move left to right and vice-versa).
Take a look at my pics and you can see how I handled some of these issues.
Good luck and Happy Motoring!

I think the small block Chevy is a lot lighter than a stovebolt, by around 135 pounds, if I remember right. So you're fine.
I've got a 350 in mine and it does very well.

I used 8 lug trailer wheels on my 51. worked out just fine even with the 72 chevy rear end. I also had no problems with fatter late model tires.

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