454 in a 52 1/2 ton??

[wildfifty2]

Anybody ever put a Chevy Big block in a 52 Chevy truck with stock frame and suspension? I have a spare crate motor and have been considering putting it in my 52 with an automatic trans. but I do not want to mess with cutting the firewall or floorboard in the truck. Can this be done with an aftermarket cross member with side engine mounts and a new transmission cross member? I know all about tight fitting applications as I put a big block in my 56 sedan.. If I did not already have the 454... I would probably just order up a small block and make my life much easier.. Anybody done this swap?

[Valarius_Starchaser]

I'm seeing a few guys say if you use a small cap HEI a short pump and electric fans it should work other things to consider are headers and the steering shaft a lot of guys need to move it to the side out of the way to slide it together keep us updated!

[wildfifty2]

Originally Posted by Valarius_Starchaser

I'm seeing a few guys say if you use a small cap HEI a short pump and electric fans it should work other things to consider are headers and the steering shaft a lot of guys need to move it to the side out of the way to slide it together keep us updated!

Thanks for the info... Sounds like my 56 swap.. I used an MSD electronic distributor and a short water pump along with electric fans and Sanderson block hugger headers. I am curious if the stock pan will fit. On the 56 I had to switch to a Milodon pan for more clearance.. Also I used a Muncie 4 speed so I am not sure if a turbo 400 would need more clearance..

[_Ogre]

your 56 was designed and sold with a sbc, the 52 was not
you will need to relocate the steering box

[wildfifty2]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

your 56 was designed and sold with a sbc, the 52 was not
you will need to relocate the steering box

Thanks... Any tips? It is a major project?

[mphudak]

this speaks to a SBC but would be close for a BBC

http://53truck.ez15loan.com/howto/install-v8.htm

[_Ogre]

It is a major project?

depends on what your level of fabrication expertise is

[YahamaR1]

I did it, iTS a tight fit
Have a other firewall
A other transtunnel
Frontend from scotts hotrods

But it looks good, see my build thread

[Coach529]

My biggest concern would be the interference with the column and steering box. SBC is pretty tight in that regards.

[Coach529]

Not sure who's truck this is, found it in my picture stash.

[wildfifty2]

Thanks for the info and pictures.. It helps a bunch to see it in pictures..