1963 chevy truck 1/2 ton big block swap

[nutsfor59]

i'm trying to install a 454 in my truck,does anyone know of headers available ?? or how exhaust manifold clearance issues were solved,the engine bolts right up except for these issues.... please help !!!

[70cst]

Here is a bump for you

[Captainfab]

You will have to trim the top flange of the frame back aprox 1/2" on both sides, the length of the engine. I usually use a '68-'87 frame as a reference. Then you can use headers made for '68-'87 trucks. But beware, they are long tubes and will hang down a little below the frame. What motor mounts did you use? If you used the originals for your truck, they may need to be clearanced for the headers.

[nutsfor59]

i am greatfull for the advice and help,i am really surprised that there are not bolt on headers available for this swap !!,unless that day has come and gone demand wise ??? i reall hate to alter my frame it is near perfect condition,but i will give serious thought to your instructions !!,thanks

[hd74]

i have stock manifolds on mine ,454 with 700r4 in a 1963 suburan .if just fine

[markeb01]

And welcome to the forum!

[Captainfab]

No there is not enough demand for BBC headers for the '63-'67 trucks. Especially not now with the increasing popularity of the LS series of engines. When GM began offering the big block in the trucks, they made the top flange of the frame narrower to accomodate theexhaust manifolds. This is why the '63-'67's need the top flange trimmed. As long as you don't leave a ragged edge, or nicks where a crack can start, trimming the top flange is not a big deal.

[nutsfor59]

i am going with a 4 speed trans in my truck and the stock manifold will not clear the "ball" that threads into the engine for the z-bar/cross shaft,unless i take this trim the flange idea i have no choice but to go with headers,i could also use some advice as far as the radiator is concerned,can i use the stock 283 on and havee it beefed up core wise ??? or is there a bolt in option ??? ideas welcome !!!

[hd74]

i had my stock radiator reworked,4 core no problem with over heat with my big block even in stop and go traffic,

[nutsfor59]

well thats great news,i kinda thought it would be simple radiator wise,i got some big block headers that were for a 55 chevy truck,the frames look virtually identical and i'm gambling that they may fit my 63 frame,if not i guess i'll try that flange idea/trimming etc,if i get really mad or frustrated i may scrap this 454 biz and go back to small block,we shall see !!

[nutsfor59]

hey !!! almost forgot !!! what have big block swappers done in regards to the water pump and pulleys ?? short or long pump ??? any certain pulleys ??? alternator brackets ??? etc,etc ??

[hd74]

short stock water pump,every bracket is stock chevy,nothing after market

[Captainfab]

Short water pump here as well. The BBC short pump pulleys and brackets are getting harder to find though. You might consider Alan Grove Components for the brackets if you can't find OEM ones.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by nutsfor59

hey !!! almost forgot !!! what have big block swappers done in regards to the water pump and pulleys ?? short or long pump ??? any certain pulleys ??? alternator brackets ??? etc,etc ??

Well find out how the long pump works in a few months. Thats what my 427 is going to run .....hopefully. Did go with aftermarket high mount alternator though. Rest of pulleys are stock, just had them plated.

[nutsfor59]

ok,i'm willing to try a long pump but what about the radiator ??? do you or anyone else have a picture of a v8 one ??? i recently bought one due to my truck not having one at all when i bought it only to find out the guy screwed me and it came off something else !!!! and you mention stock pulleys,but from what years or set up ?? and i will then try to buy the proper ones,i have no a/c and no power steering,thanks

[1963c-10]

My pulleys came on the engine stock. I would get the pulley set up that you need. Im not running pwoer steering or AC, so I really only need 3 groove crank and single groove water pump, but the engine was pulled from a vehicle with both, so I have 3 groove crank and 2 groove water pump. On the flip side...if I install power steering down the road, Ill have the extra groove. Summit and jegs sell the pulleys....think the crank's are about $40 and the water pumps about $30, just depends on how many grooves you want/need. I dont think that you'll find much difference in the "stock" pulleys as opposed to the aftermarket. If you don't intend to go w/PS or AC, then you only need 1 groove to run the alternator, unless your state requires a smog pump for emissions.

[nutsfor59]

thanks for the info,would you happen to have a picture of a v8 radiator ??? i really need to know what i'm looking for when i shop on internet or swap meets,another question i have is can the hot lead for the distributor power a newer hei circa 1987 or so ??,and/or can a points distributor fire the newer plugscirca 87 again ?? is it as simple as closing up the gap ??from .060 to .035 etc,etc,thanks