The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Engine/Trans. swap

Hi all,
I've searched and found a hundred answers to these questions. Thanks for your help. I have a 1954 3600 into which I plan to install a mid '60s 283 and 700R4 and i have a few questions before I start.
1. Can I keep the stock trans. cross member and add the bolt on?
2. Do I have to move the steering box? Most people say yes though a few have left it in place.
3. Can I use the 283's fan and my radiator without modifications?
4. Do I have to notch the cab for clearance?

Hy JBTrue, let me start by saying that I have never done this swap, like you I have read a lot of descriptions, and seen a few completed swaps. Are you asking if you can keep the crossmember that supported the rear of the engine? I'm not sure if that crossmember would have to be removed or not, but I do know that you could not install the engine and transmission in one piece with that crossmember in place. I have never seen this swap accomplished without moving the steering box outboard of the frame somewhat, there are no manifolds/headers that I'm aware of that will clear the steering box in its stock location. As far as I have seen the radiator/fan should be fine, and no notching of the cab is required, hope that helps.

Thanks for replying. I'm hoping to find someone who has my exact condition. Yes I would like to keep the crossmember if possible. I figure the extra strength can't hurt. I might take it off and then bolt it in place if I can't put engine and engine in as one piece. If you move the steering box outboard what else has to be adjusted/moved?

Hey JBT, I think with a '54 you are in luck per the crossmember at the bellhousing has mounts on a slant as do the later trucks. So a 50-60s V8 bellhousing should bolt right in. I'm sure others will be along to add more. Re. the steering box, a buddy of mine use the 55-56 exhaust manifolds that dump out at front on that side and may have fudged the box outboard as well and there may be aftermarket headers also.

Josh, the stock cross member is the rear engine mount, the stock trans 'hangs' off the bellhouse, to go from a 6 cyl/standard to a small block with automatic, you need the bolt in trans mount further back as well as a bolt in cross member forward for the SBC side mounts - you cannot have the engine/trans mounted at 3 places, and the auto trans bellhouse doesn't have mounts there anyway - the stock cross member will be in the way, the closest you can hope for is to cut out the center and refit a dropped section after you get correct fit of the drive train .... if you look around the HiPo forum you'll find someone who's done the swap

Bill

Thanks Bill,
I do have mounts for the engine. I wasn't planning on mounting the trans to the stock crossmember but just wanted to leave it for extra strength as it is close to the spring mounts. The other reason to leave it is that I don't really want to deal with removing if I don't have to.

I think you'll find the 700 trans bell won't clear it, so you'll at least have to drop the center

Bill