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| | | | 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. | | |
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