454 in a 1959

[1968aj]

came across a good deal on a 454. it should fit in my 1959but any ideas or info on any major problemsi may encounter? will the stock suspension handle the extra weight? any info would be helpful. i also fond a stock 1959 six cylinder and transmission out of a 1959 for $400 which would be way cheaper and get it running much sooner. which way would you go?

[dwcsr]

if the 235 needs rebuilding as most of them do. It can cost up to $3500. 454 is about $800 rebuilt. $400 for a 235 is a lot unless it was rebuilt in the last few years of being driven. if it sat more than 10 year its not a good deal.

[mr48chev]

BIG block, If you are thinking V8 why waste 400$$$ just to "get it together faster" when you won't be happy with it for long? I've done the "settle for" thing all too often in the past 50 years and it never works in the long run.

Outside of having enough radiator to cool it I don't think that there are any real problems involved in putting a big block in a Taskforce truck.

[OrrieG]

BB requires some firewall mods, stock suspension if in good shape will take the weight fine, that 235 weighs more than you think. Type of trans will determine mods to the bellhousing crossmember. Mostly just details.

[1968aj]

I thought a 6 cyl rebuild was cheaper. I guess things have changed. What kind of firewall mods are we talking about? Im liking the 454 more. Always wanted a big block.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by 1968aj

I thought a 6 cyl rebuild was cheaper. I guess things have changed. What kind of firewall mods are we talking about? Im liking the 454 more. Always wanted a big block.

most 6 cylinders are cheaper but 235's and 216's are very expensive. Most always the crank needs to be cut, block bored and over sized pistons. If it needs a cam and lifters add $300 $400 . 230 or 250 are $800 at most if you want a 6.

[mr48chev]

I didn't really see it as more or less expensive, as I said earlier it appeared that you were really thinking V8 but might settle for buying a six to be able to drive the truck a few months earlier. If you had already decided that you wanted to put it back pretty close to original with a six and were asking if 400 dollars for a running 235 was a decent deal the answer would be yes it was if it ran really well and didn't have a bunch of oil leaks. You really have to look at what your long term vision for the truck is and not look at get by solutions that cost money you could be stashing away to reach the real goal.

I've been guilty of the get by and get it running all too many times. Buying the cheap chrome valve covers rather than saving a bit for a couple more pay days to get the finned aluminum ones I really wanted. Buying the "Monte Carlo gold paint rather than paying the extra few dollars for the "Corvette" gold paint. The truck looked fine but I was never quite happy with it. The list goes on but I won't bore folks with that.

[Stepside Jim]

I can speak for the Big Block. I was able to salvage the firewall, no changes.

To have the motor forward enough to clear the firewall I used a dual electric fan set up. The space between the two fans makes room for the water pump to fit into.

Mine sits on a Camaro front clip so I'm not sure about suspension or the steering column on yours.

A couple pics.


The firewall looks close to the firewall but there is an inch between the firewall and the valve cover.


Hope this helps, Jim

[Daze57]

i like the bb idea - you'll pass everything except a cop and a gas station

[lmdangerous]

I literally bolted a bbc in my 56 pickup years ago. Used the stock V8 bellhousing - bolted a muncie to it. I think I had to change the header tube by the steering box( took a tube out of another set I had and welded in) and the front feet had to be built to fit the front X member studds. Other than that I don't remeber it being that big of a deal.I think I used a mallory unilite for clearence - the HEI was the issue if I remember right.
It was also a 402 - but the BB ddemensions are all the same for the most part.
LMD