| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,042 Posts1,055,601 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 220 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 220 | Hello!
My '59 Apache 3600 is an original V8 truck. It's got a pretty tired 350 in it right now, and starting to plan for an engine rebuild/swap. Although the truck is basically stock, I'd like to build a nice strong street motor. Since it's going to cost me at least a few $1000 to put an engine together, so I'm thinking about a big block. The truck already has a limited slip Dana 60 with 3:54 gears, which work well with the 350. The stock SM420 will stand up to a big block, although I'd eventually plan to swap it out for a Muncie or Borg-Warner.
What issues, if any, would I have with fitting a big block into the Apache, i.e. oil pan clearance? Also, does the big block have the same bell housing pattern as a small block?
Anyone been there/done that? I want to know what I'm getting into before I start spending money.
Thanks...
Chris | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | buddy of mine put a 427 into a 55.2 with no issues .... and the V8 bellhouse patterns are all the same, with some differences in the size of the center hole for the trans front bearing retainer Bill | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | The big block is a bit longer than the small block. You will probably want to install a side mount engine cradle. | | |
|
|
| |
