The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Big Block Chevy

Wanted to ask the group if anyone has swapped in a Chevy big block into their AD truck? I have a 53' GMC and plan to install a CE bolt-in crossmember. I am thinking about installing a big block Chev, and was wondering if there were any challenges with steering shaft to the rack and pinion. Also, I think Sanderson headers might work without frame rail clearance, but not sure. I plan to use offset mounts to bring the motor forward for firewall clearance. Lastly, as I have a GMC, I have a few extra inches up front to work with regarding radiator clearance vs. a Chev.

Just looking for some experience or thoughts on this, with any pictures of a previous build if anyone has any. This might be a good topic for several others thinking of doing the same.

Thanks for any info/advice!

I know it can be done there is one at the shows in my area that I see every year. Nice truck and it's cool to see something other than a SBC .

Pete

Yes, it can be done without relocating the radiator and without cutting the firewall. My dad's is done on an S-10 frame though, so I can't answer any of your specific questions.

I put a hipo BB in a 1961 Stepside that I had. Cooling was always an issue.

I'm sure that if you tuck it low, use an electric fan up high, it should work out pretty well.

Well, looks like I will decide soon and throw the dice. If I do this, I will post pic's along the way, although it will be a while, as I still need to install crossmember and go through the motor... Should be interesting.

Thanks

There's on at the drags here in town. It can be done, as to how... I'm guessing a big shoehorn. I'll take a pic next Friday when I see it. The thing is beautiful! Runs a mid 6 in the 1/8th mile.

ok Holly65, line em up lol

I saw a big block (455) Olds in a '50 truck awhile back. It had a Cutlass front clip though. Everything looked stock, only a little fenderwell trimming. It was a nice job.

You should post this in the Hi-Po shop. There are guys there who have done it.

this is the hi-po shop

How many c.i. Are you thinking? I'm just curious. I had a zz502 I was gonna put in my 64c-10. Had more ideas than money then. Sold the motor and truck. Plus I was 17 and living at home. Dad was tired of my used car lot in front of his house.

I have a 402 that I plan to build for it.

My biggest concern is the steering shaft and reaching the rack and pinion. Eight U-joints later...

I have a 455 Buick in my panel & got it to fit nice and low. I put it in the stock frame so can't comment on your CE set up, but I think you'll get her in there
all right. Just might have to relieve the firewall for the distributor, tho.

mike

Squire, the 455 Buick is a couple inches narrower than the BBC. This could make a difference as well.

Hey to you,
Just did what you are talking about, I put a 348 chevy big block into a 1949 GMC Panel truck, w/a 350 auto behind it...............about the same?

As for the steering, your truck may be a little different than mine, but the steering in mine was and is still a problem so far. Like you I was asking on here how to fix the steering. I just wanted to try and keep the old style steering in the truck, but not sure if I can yet. Was thinking of relocating the old box to the left with a heavy piece of angle iron, but that will limit the turning to the left a little. I know it can be done if you change the steering column and steering box & drag link hook up. I have seen it before, but must look into it more.

Maybe we can help each other, if you deside to do this.
Ol trucks never die, they just go faster.
Jerry

PS. working on some photo's

With my small block build, I have half the old column, the old steering wheel and a late model box. If that helps any.

I know a BB Olds fits, however I used one of my cross member kits.

just shoved a 454 in my big bolt. had to move the rad forward about an inch and use electric fans. No firewall mod was required although it is really close. Had to fab up a new mount for my steering box and make a new shaft running up to a new column, still using the original wheel though. I used cross members from speedway for the engine and tranny. Takes a bit of fab and had to cut one original cross member out of the way, but it all looks pretty good now. I'll see about loading up a few pics

Hi Torq I put a 78 454BBC in my 49 suburban with a caveat. I put a 69 Nova clip in first and used standard BBC motor mounts.It should be about the same as your CE IFS. We had to move motor back about 4 inches to clear the radiator and do some header pipe modifications to make it clear the steering box. Im using both a mechanical fan as well as a electric "push" fan on front of radiator to insure it stays cool in Texas summers. So it can be done with some careful planning and patience. Good luck.