The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop big block chevy in a 39-46 1/2 ton

Just wondering if anyone has done the swap... what sort of modifications to the stock steering shaft (if any) were done? Thanks

What do you have in there now. I can see a trany or oil cooler in front of the radiator.

I have a small block in mine, with a Mustang 2 type front end. Block hugger headers tuck inside the frame rails nicely, but steering shaft needed a few joints & bearing blocks. Stock rad with pusher fan cools it OK. I would think BB would need larger rad to start, + electric fan. Exhaust routing would be an issue. Not sure what happens with stock front end clearances.

To each his own but if it were me I would keep a small block if that is what you have. The more I look it appears it's a AC condenser coil in front of the rad. I would assume yours is a SBC. A big block would fit in there but it would be a lot of work, like slipping on a pair of size 9 shoes on your size 12 feet.
You could get them on but your toes would be bent double.

big block is in, backed by a 700r4. radiator will need some work and the exhaust is going to exit through the fender wells... nothing that hasn't been done before.

Sitting in the rails

Drivers side is tight

No radiator clearence

Custom fit the fender well headers. Use an electric water pump for clearance and a electric pusher fan in front of the radiator. My 2 cents:)

Nah, Im not a big fan of electric pumps and fans. I only need an inch or so of clearance between the fan and radiator. By locating the radiator to the front of the radiator support versus the inside of the support you gain a good amount of space...there is also room to push the engine/trans an inch or so back. Apparently a tri 5 chevy radiator fits rather nicely.

I agree with off setting the radiator, I made new mounts for my after market radiator to bring it forward, so I could use a mechanical fan, made by flex cool that is off set toward the block. I am using a SBC with a short water pump though. Thats good information about the radiators that fit.

Plan 9, would you mind taking a side shot of your front suspension? I am trying to put shock mounts on that look like yours, the AD mounts. Did you weld the mounts to frame? The crossmember is right in the way to put bolts through on mine. Also the plate that mounts under the spring perch I have must not have the right amount of angle to it compared to yours. I need a picture!:)
Thanks!

B_Bauman, I'll grab some pictures of the mount for you. I didnt put them in, it was done a long time ago. I think pictures will help you though.

Making some progress on radiator mounts but Im going to see if my current radiator will work with a pair of brackets. I'll post an update when there is something to show.