Big Block into a 56 shortbed

[56 pickemuptruck]

I got a 427 thats i'm itchin to replace the 350 with in my old 56 pickemup truck.

Anyone out there done this ? Anything special I need to know , other than measure twice , cut once ?

there is 350 in it now, was a 6 w/od when i got it years ago. Now has a 63 vette muncie 4 speed, 11 inch clutch, 57 pontiac rear axle housing with 62 detroit locker and moser engineering axles with tapered bearings, also has the tapered bearing changeover on the front wheels. and carbon metallic brake shoes that don't heat up. Standard front and rear springs. if the big block don't lower the front too much, i think i'm set as far as the chassis and driveline goes. Any advice on the unforseen, that always crops up, will be appreciated.

thx Johnny Beach

johnnybeach@centurylink.net

P.S. I wouldn't mind locating a posi unit for my 1983, 3/4 ton Suburban.

[Coronas56]

Best to use a short water pump........

[56 pickemuptruck]

As luck would have it, it has the short water pump.

Thank You , and Semperrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Fi to you Brother

[Indian113]

You may need beefy springs on the front,I put a smallblock in a camaro that started life with a big block and had to get lighter springs

[56 pickemuptruck]

Thank You Very Much

[chevyrestoguy]

It might get real close between the passenger valve cover and the firewall. I have seen some applications where the valve cover cleared, but others where the firewall had to get "massaged" to get the clearance. It would be in your best interest to run the factory short valve covers just as a precaution. Always remember, the engine will torque towards the passenger side, so a 1/4" gap between the valve cover and the firewall may disappear when you nail the throttle.

Also, an HEI distributor will be a tight fit with a BBC. Like I said before, some applications fit better than others. You have to be careful moving the engine forward because you have to be concerned with the fan-to-radiator clearance.

The only way to be sure is to mock up everything first. If you have to make clearance, you can do it at that time. I would recommend leaving the engine in it's installed position and work the firewall to gain your clearance. Moving the engine forward can open up a bunch of issues that'll take way more fab work to get through.

Feel free to look at my build link. I was originally going to go with a BBC, and wound up building a new firewall.

[59Mutt]

its been 10 years, i didnt need to clearance the firewall, but the brake lines are very close. i needed different power steering hoses. if i could though id have gone small block, the 454 is sweet but thirsty...anyone want to trade for a Camaro or bubble top impala?