The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What Does it Take?

Can someone point me to the best thread or source for me to use to plan a transition from I6 to V8 on my 57? Thanks.

Hy Jerry A, do you want to do it stock, using the factory front mounts? If you do most vendors sell a front mount kit with brackets, insulators, washers, etc. All you need after that is a V8 bellhousing from a 55-66? truck [iron with angled side mounts, one 1/2" N.C. hole in mount pad]. Carb linkage can be cable or buy the stock linkage from a vendor. V8 rad, and some fittin and your there, hope that helps.

In addition, you'll need a radiator shroud, as the V8 will sit further back from the rad. One place to look for the correct bellhousing is the LCF trucks. All LCFs from '55-'59 have V8s as standard equipment. You might even be able to pick up the stock type front mounts from one also.

I bought the V8 cradle when I thought I'd need it for the 62 235. I'll probably use that. I see a bellhousing on eBay with the mounts. Anything I need to know about getting a flywheel? Any thoughts on what vendor may have the pedal to carb setup?

Classic Industries has them, about $50. As far as a flywhell, a standard smallblock flywheel would work. You will need a V8 starter, too. The 6 cylider stomp starter won't work with a V8.

Speaking of starters...

The 57 has a floor starter button. I'm guessing that I need to change that to a more traditional key start now. Any thoughts on what has to happen to the wiring harness? Is there an ignition switch with key start that accommodates the connections on the back of the original switch?

Jerry,
You can use the ignition switch from a car or 60 up truck and use your lock cylinder. Just mark the wiring and plug the connectors onto the respective terminals on the replacement switch.
I have done a number of these conversions and have developed a spreadsheet that lists all the parts required and estimated prices and sources. If it would be of some use to you, send me an email and I'll send it to you.
Fred

Jerry,
You will understand that even tho I completely respect your postion, as Moderator I must make a plea to keep you in the Inline fold. So I will offer my Pontiac OHC six as an ploy to keep you in the club. Whaddayathink? It is basically a Chey 250 block with a modern head. Needs rebuilt but mostly all there I think. Not free but cheap to a Hoosier.

Well Dave, I'm not gone yet. I discovered that the noise I'm hearing is the lifters starting to colapse. I don't hear anything in the bottom of the engine. I drained the oil tonite and will drop the pan tomorrow and remove a couple of caps to see what we have. All things considered, I'd prefer to keep the 6 in there.

See; it was only a temporary lapse of judgement.

Jerry,
Unless someone changed the engine to one from a passenger car which has hydraulic lifters, yours has solids. Not too likely to collapse. Could be worn cam and/or rockers.
Fred

Sorry Fred. I should have been more clear. I removed the original engine last year to get a hydraulic lifter engine in there. The current engine is from a 62.

Great news Jerry. Hope that's all it is. So the 283 would go into hybernation, the RamJet into the Impala and Ol' Blue would get a new lease on life, right? Hope it is just that easy for you.

I tried to drop the pan this morning (in the truck). I don't know what that shop used to 'glue' the pan on but it looks like I'm going to have to remove the engine to get enough leverage to move it. Besides, I'm not so sure the pan will clear the cross-member in the front.

I drained the oil into a glass jar and I don't see anything in the oil.