Changing out my towers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bw4sale · 05-01-2009, 09:28 AM

My '68 was originally a 6 cylinder that someone put a 305 in. They used the 6 cylinder towers so the engine sits back too far. I know some guys like it this way and say run it like that, but it bugs me. So, I'm thinking of picking up some small block towers and doing it right. The question is will I have to change anything else? i.e. Trans crossmember or shift linkage. Will my driveshaft be too short, etc? I'm currently running a 3 speed, but would like to find a 4 or 5 speed that would fit.

**LockDoc** · 05-01-2009, 11:52 AM

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Yes, the trans cross member will have to be moved forward (there should be holes in the frame for the location). The shift rods and clutch rod will be too long and will have to be adjusted, and the drive shaft will be too short. You should be able to find a factory one the right length, it will probably be a two piece shaft. Throttle linkage will also be too short.

LockDoc

bw4sale · 05-01-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

and the drive shaft will be too short. You should be able to find a factory one the right length, it will probably be a two piece shaft.

Really? For a short bed?

Shift Linkage isn't a problem because p.o. put a shifter in the floor. What about clutch linkage? I guess it is a different setup.

Longhorn Man · 05-01-2009, 04:33 PM

In reality, it sisn't worth the headache. I'm with you, I would rather see it forward where it belongs, but it just isn't worth it IMO.

bw4sale · 05-01-2009, 05:26 PM

That's disappointing. Has anyone had issues with cooling on a small block on 6 cylinder towers? The way it is right now, the fan is not even close to being in the shroud.

LOW DOUGH · 05-01-2009, 05:34 PM

the 6 cyl and sb towers are the same. just in different locations. Forward for the sb and back for the 6.

**LockDoc** · 05-01-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOW DOUGH

the 6 cyl and sb towers are the same. just in different locations. Forward for the sb and back for the 6.

My experience is that they are not the same. If you use the 6 cyl towers in the forward position you will have to re-drill the bottom holes...

LockDoc

Tx Firefighter · 05-03-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOW DOUGH

the 6 cyl and sb towers are the same. just in different locations. Forward for the sb and back for the 6.

They are definitely different. I have piles of each in my shop. Similar, but not quite the same.

Longhorn Man · 05-01-2009, 07:30 PM

the 4 wheel drive trucks had the small block bach where yours is now. You could either get a spacer to push the fan forward (not recomended if you have a fan clutch) or source a 4X4 shroud

Shyguy · 05-01-2009, 07:44 PM

Or run an electric fan setup. Electric fan setups can be found by doing a search.

Danny

RCbowtie69 · 05-02-2009, 10:55 PM

my truck was a 6 now a 8, motor is in the 6 location no problem over heating with 3 core radiator,plans to put it were the 8 should be, with a tremec transmission 5 speed check out there wed site, www.americanpowertrain .com, i talk to them at at auto fair in N.C. they have every thing to put in our trucks, most orders are ship within 48 hours, just check the site

LOW DOUGH · 05-04-2009, 08:48 AM

oh,

Kevin, you got some pics to show the difference. I really thought they were the same. For the sb and 6.

bw4sale · 05-04-2009, 09:30 AM

Yeah, pics would be great.

Tx Firefighter · 05-04-2009, 12:02 PM

Here are pictures to illustrate the differences.

The I6 stands obviously go in the three rear holes. When you try to move them forward, only two of the three holes line up. You have to drill the third one.

When you use the proper SBC frame stands, all three holes line right up in the forward position without drilling anything.

You can obviously make either one work in either position, but to do it right, with no modifications, the proper stands are needed.

LOW DOUGH · 05-04-2009, 12:14 PM

They are definitely not the same. Thanks for the pics. This should help people out.

**steelhorse** · 05-04-2009, 12:14 PM

The truck should handle better with the motor in the rear position.

bw4sale · 05-04-2009, 12:25 PM

Thanks for the pics, Tx.

bw4sale · 05-04-2009, 12:26 PM

The other obvious difference is that sb towers are considerably dirtier than I6. Can't believe no one mentioned that.

**michael bustamante** · 05-04-2009, 06:04 PM

thats true mine are filthy but the inline 6 ones sitting in my garage havent gatered any oil covered dirt in years!!

**oldiron** · 05-04-2009, 08:10 PM

I guess thats why my engine sits up so high and back so far in my 4x4. Can't even get a stock air filter on as it hits the firewall.

05-01-2009, 09:28 AM	#1
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Changing out my towers My '68 was originally a 6 cylinder that someone put a 305 in. They used the 6 cylinder towers so the engine sits back too far. I know some guys like it this way and say run it like that, but it bugs me. So, I'm thinking of picking up some small block towers and doing it right. The question is will I have to change anything else? i.e. Trans crossmember or shift linkage. Will my driveshaft be too short, etc? I'm currently running a 3 speed, but would like to find a 4 or 5 speed that would fit. __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

05-01-2009, 11:52 AM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,773	Re: Changing out my towers - Yes, the trans cross member will have to be moved forward (there should be holes in the frame for the location). The shift rods and clutch rod will be too long and will have to be adjusted, and the drive shaft will be too short. You should be able to find a factory one the right length, it will probably be a two piece shaft. Throttle linkage will also be too short. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 05-01-2009 at 11:54 AM.

05-01-2009, 04:33 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Changing out my towers In reality, it sisn't worth the headache. I'm with you, I would rather see it forward where it belongs, but it just isn't worth it IMO.

05-01-2009, 05:26 PM	#5
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Re: Changing out my towers That's disappointing. Has anyone had issues with cooling on a small block on 6 cylinder towers? The way it is right now, the fan is not even close to being in the shroud. __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

05-01-2009, 05:34 PM	#6
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: Changing out my towers the 6 cyl and sb towers are the same. just in different locations. Forward for the sb and back for the 6.

05-01-2009, 07:30 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Changing out my towers the 4 wheel drive trucks had the small block bach where yours is now. You could either get a spacer to push the fan forward (not recomended if you have a fan clutch) or source a 4X4 shroud

05-01-2009, 07:44 PM	#10
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Changing out my towers Or run an electric fan setup. Electric fan setups can be found by doing a search. Danny __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

05-02-2009, 10:55 PM	#11
RCbowtie69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 1,877	Re: Changing out my towers my truck was a 6 now a 8, motor is in the 6 location no problem over heating with 3 core radiator,plans to put it were the 8 should be, with a tremec transmission 5 speed check out there wed site, www.americanpowertrain .com, i talk to them at at auto fair in N.C. they have every thing to put in our trucks, most orders are ship within 48 hours, just check the site

05-04-2009, 08:48 AM	#12
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: Changing out my towers oh, Kevin, you got some pics to show the difference. I really thought they were the same. For the sb and 6.

05-04-2009, 09:30 AM	#13
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Re: Changing out my towers Yeah, pics would be great. __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

05-04-2009, 12:02 PM	#14
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Changing out my towers Here are pictures to illustrate the differences. The I6 stands obviously go in the three rear holes. When you try to move them forward, only two of the three holes line up. You have to drill the third one. When you use the proper SBC frame stands, all three holes line right up in the forward position without drilling anything. You can obviously make either one work in either position, but to do it right, with no modifications, the proper stands are needed. Attached Images __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

05-04-2009, 12:14 PM	#15
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: Changing out my towers They are definitely not the same. Thanks for the pics. This should help people out.

05-04-2009, 12:14 PM	#16
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Franklinton NC Posts: 1,309	Re: Changing out my towers The truck should handle better with the motor in the rear position.

05-04-2009, 12:25 PM	#17
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Re: Changing out my towers Thanks for the pics, Tx. __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

05-04-2009, 12:26 PM	#18
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Re: Changing out my towers The other obvious difference is that sb towers are considerably dirtier than I6. Can't believe no one mentioned that. __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half



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05-04-2009, 06:04 PM	#19
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,862	Re: Changing out my towers thats true mine are filthy but the inline 6 ones sitting in my garage havent gatered any oil covered dirt in years!! __________________ 1967custom

05-04-2009, 08:10 PM	#20
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,094	Re: Changing out my towers I guess thats why my engine sits up so high and back so far in my 4x4. Can't even get a stock air filter on as it hits the firewall. __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

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