v8 install

[c10 custom]

hi guys i was wondering what is the procedure to install a v8 small block into a 47-54 chev truck on the original frame no IFS and if you have any pictures of your conversion would like to see them thank you

[mr48chev]

Stick, automatic or ?

The big roadblock will and always has been the steering box being right where the left hand exhaust manifold sits and that there isn't a manifold or header that will clear the steering if the engine is centered in the chassis and the steering box is left in it's stock position.

The old and standard method would be to weld a piece of heavy wall 1-1/2 inch angle iron to the frame and slide the steering box out and inch and a half to the outside to clear the manifold. That creates a few problems besides being crude.
1. the steering wheel sits slightly cockeyed unless you move the whole column over to the left that inch an a half. 2. you have to modify the hole in the firewall and if you moved the wheel over you would have to modify the mount under the dash.

I've wanted to figure out a cross steer setup for years that would let you put the engine in the frame centered and not have steering box interference

[mechanixman]

I know Truck Shop
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/

has a cross member, that already has the engine mounts for a SBC, and just welds to the frame.
If you look on their catalog, it's on page 70.
I'm sure other places have it too. But at $46, it'll save you a few headaches, not having to fab your own motor mounts.

Hope that helps.

[arturo7]

If you haven't done so yet, look through the build threads. Lots of good ideas there.

[sweet70beast]

I am running the stock frame with straight axle. I up graded to C10 power steering with speedway motors bracket kit because of the stock steering problem. I am running a tilt column from an 81 Chevy Van, it is almost identical to the 67-72 truck columns. I have the mock up 350 block in there for now. So far this is the only pic that I have of it I am planning on taking more in the next few days.

[IMG][/IMG]

[mr48chev]

Here is a link to a crossmember similar to the one mechanixman suggested http://www.ebay.com/itm/47-55-CHEVY-...e7d596&vxp=mtr

Similar ones are sold all over the place and they work and are easy to set up. If your local O'Reilly's has a speed section they can probably get you one overnight if they don't have one in stock. Hard to be 50.00 and free shipping though.

That steering box setup that sweet70beast (had to double check that) showed looks interesting if it will clear the tires you plan to run.