Factory mounts to put SBC into 77 C65?

[67JimmyMO]

I have a 1977 C65 with a blown 366 in it.

It has the factory stock "horseshoe" front motor mount, and then the rear mounts on the bellhousing.

Would like to install a 350 SBC and was wondering if there was a factory setup for the front mount(s) I can use, or will I have to build something?

The drivers side frame is flat on top and has some holes in it but the passengers side frame rail has an upturned lip on it, doesn't look like it is made to accept a mount that bolts to the side of the block.

[mrolds88]

Why not reuse the horseshoe you have? Weld the stock holes up and redrill the small block pattern. Did the sme basic thing on my 59.

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by mrolds88

Why not reuse the horseshoe you have? Weld the stock holes up and redrill the small block pattern. Did the sme basic thing on my 59.

Thanks for your thoughts, mrolds88. From my measurements it looks like a SBC is about 3" shorter from where it bolts to the bellhousing, to the front face of the block where the horseshoe would bolt up.

So, even if I could reuse the existing horseshoe, I would still have to figure out how to move it 3" towards the rear of the truck. Was hoping there was a factory SBC horseshoe mount that would sit on the existing rubber pads on the front crossmember, and "extend" the 3" to reach a small block. I may be dreaming though.

I have been doing some research and it looks like the C60s had SBCs, and the C65s had the 366 big block.

Does anyone have pics of the mounts with a SBC in a late-70s C60?

Was wondering if the SBC mount was a horseshoe-type that bolts to the front face of the motor...or is it mounts that come off the side of the block and bolt to the frame rails?

[mrolds88]

Ok understand. The 59 had a 348 in it and they must be a bit shorter front to back than the big blocks. Actually C40's and C50s should also have the same small block horseshoes that you are looking for. Heck even the earlier trucks might work too.

[Bob B.]

Going off memory, I think the C-60's that had 350's in them also used a 'U' shaped bracket under the crank pulley that bolted to the front of the engine block, just like the 366's and 427's. If so, it would certainly be a different part than one used on the big blocks. Shouldn't be too hard to find one.

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by mrolds88

Ok understand. The 59 had a 348 in it and they must be a bit shorter front to back than the big blocks. Actually C40's and C50s should also have the same small block horseshoes that you are looking for. Heck even the earlier trucks might work too.

I am searching for local C40-50-60 trucks to look at, don't know anyone personally with one but I will find one sooner or later, thx.

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by Bob B.

Going off memory, I think the C-60's that had 350's in them also used a 'U' shaped bracket under the crank pulley that bolted to the front of the engine block, just like the 366's and 427's. If so, it would certainly be a different part than one used on the big blocks. Shouldn't be too hard to find one.

That is what I am hoping, and unless the frame and/or crossmember was different between a C60 and C65 there should be a factory mount that will bolt right in.

Don't mind making one but these days I would rather not reinvent the wheel.

[colgad]

Ill post a pic tomorrow

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by colgad

Ill post a pic tomorrow

That would be great, thanks.

[MattBMiller]

My 71 5500 had the 350 with the horseshoe motor mounts. I'll check the garage, I may still have it laying around.

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by MattBMiller

My 71 5500 had the 350 with the horseshoe motor mounts. I'll check the garage, I may still have it laying around.

Thanks Matt, please let me know.

I tried to measure the hole spacing horizontally on the horseshoe, where it bolts to the block on each side of the crank pulley.

It looks like it is about 10" on a 366...and about 9" on an SBC.

[colgad]

It's harder to take a pic of this than I thought it would be.
If you need another angle let me know.

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by colgad

It's harder to take a pic of this than I thought it would be.
If you need another angle let me know.

No, those are perfect, thanks!

It looks very similar to my C65 w/366 setup but I am wondering if your crossmember is further back (closer to the firewall)...or if your frame from firewall to front frame horn is shorter.

I will try to get some pics of mine posted today to show better what I am talking about.

Luckily this project is not on any kind of time crunch for me, would like to have it done by spring.

Thanks again to everyone for looking and contributing, this board is great!

[colgad]

I can get a measurement from the radiator support to the brace in the AM.

Since we are on the subject, I am wondering if anyone has done or seen a LS motor in a C40-60. I have a 5.3 that I would like to replace the current 327 with.

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by colgad

I can get a measurement from the radiator support to the brace in the AM.

Since we are on the subject, I am wondering if anyone has done or seen a LS motor in a C40-60. I have a 5.3 that I would like to replace the current 327 with.

That measurement would tell the story, thanks. No rush, whenever you get a chance.

Was not able to get my pics of mine today, got home after dark, will try again tomorrow.

I have never seen any LS motors in the big C's but I bet they are out there.

[67JimmyMO]

Here's some pics of my setup:

[67JimmyMO]

I am still trying to get this project going but now considering just rebuilding the existing 366.

Have been having trouble finding a full gasket set for a 366 from the local sources (O'Reilly's and AutoZone). Does anyone know if the gasket set for a 396/402/427/454 is the same?

I am guessing the "wider" intake manifold would require a different front/rear piece...and maybe a different bore size would need a different head gasket, but not sure.

[Bobb]

Hy 67JimmyMO, the full gasket set should be Fel-Pro p/n FS 8180 PT-9, that may even include new head bolts, hope that helps.

[67JimmyMO]

Originally Posted by Bobb

Hy 67JimmyMO, the full gasket set should be Fel-Pro p/n FS 8180 PT-9, that may even include new head bolts, hope that helps.

Hey Bobb, I will give that Fel-Pro number a try. Looks like Advance Auto lists it, but not O'Reilly's or AutoZone. May just try getting one via the Internet. Thanks!

[mrolds88]

One other thing, Jimmy, regardless of the intake set you get, throw the end rail seals away. Use a 1/4" to 5/16" bead of silicone to seal the ends. Those rubber seals move, shrink, stretch, and leak.

[67JimmyMO]

Is that issue something that is more common on big blocks?

I have done dozens of SBCs, and while I always use some Permatex in the intake corners, where the pieces come together, have always used the supplied front and back rails with no problems.

Don't think I have ever rebuilt a BBC.

[mrolds88]

I haven't had a lot of luck with them. I usually do Olds stuff and their intakes weigh a ton. There are a lot of folks that do the end seals this way.