engine vs. firewall - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sikorsky72 · 01-04-2017, 11:49 PM

Last weekend I installed a new engine, rebuilt 350 trans and a rebuilt NP205 transfer case in my 72 chevy swb 4x4 k10. Long story short; move firewall or cross-member(s). After a few days deliberation I think I want to drill new holes in my frame and move the entire drivetrain forward 1". Anyone tried this?? Potential problems?? Advice??

BILT4ME · 01-05-2017, 01:36 PM

Why do you need to move the engine FORWARD? Does the distributor interfere with the firewall?

I had a custom truck I did a number of years ago and I used a ball peen hammer to stretch the steel in the firewall and created a recessed area about 1/2"-3/4" deep to clear the HEI distributor I installed. I located the area needing modified and used a sharpie marker to outline it, then with LOTS of gentle hits, I worked the metal into a recess that actually looks factory made to the untrained eye. I have no pics of it, as I sold the truck 17 years ago.........

If you move the engine FORWARD, you put more weight on the front axle. Generally for better handling and road manners, everyone usually wants to move the engine to the REAR.

In my case, I was placing a 69 Chevy body on a 60 K10 frame.

**truckster** · 01-05-2017, 02:43 PM

It's tight, but an HEI will fit a 4X4. Don't try to install it with the cap on.

**kwmech** · 01-05-2017, 02:53 PM

If you move the stand forward on the drivers forward to the next bolt hole you'll be good. I think it's 1-1/4'' then you only have to drill the pass side. I've done quite a few, especially on the K5s when putting in a doubler or t400. Helps with the rear driveline angle. After you do this, you can either cut the 4x shroud down or use the 2wd shroud. Make sure to check the oil pan clearance afterwards though. If you are at stock height, it may want to bump the oil pan. Any type of lift and your good

El Dorado Jim · 01-05-2017, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

It's tight, but an HEI will fit a 4X4. Don't try to install it with the cap on.

x2 I installed an HEI in my K20 with no problem

**Stocker** · 01-05-2017, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

It's tight, but an HEI will fit a 4X4. Don't try to install it with the cap on.

x3

**James Pierce** · 01-05-2017, 09:03 PM

I installed a 75 350 w/HEI in a 69 C20 4x4, tight but worked.

1972RedNeck · 01-05-2017, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

it's tight, but an hei will fit a 4x4. Don't try to install it with the cap on.

x5

**Ironhorse** · 01-05-2017, 09:24 PM

Just a thought but when I did my '71 4x4 (stock height and stock engine position) I used my original GM points distributor with the Petronix Igniter II HEI innards. Works great, uses the original points style cap with the "window" but looks stock. Being a 4x4 I just really did not think I had the room for a big GM HEI distributor. Just an option.

Ram-Man · 01-05-2017, 09:59 PM

Isn't the stock small block location in the forward holes in the frame? I thought there was plenty room for a hei in this location.

**zicc1835** · 01-05-2017, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram-Man

Isn't the stock small block location in the forward holes in the frame? I thought there was plenty room for a hei in this location.

thats my understanding

Sikorsky72 · 01-05-2017, 10:52 PM

Thanks for everyone chiming in on my concern, I truly appreciate it! The HEI was TO tight for my liking and the valve cover had zero room on the passenger side. KWMEC, you pretty much nailed it! I don't have to worry about the fan shroud because of electric fans and new radiator. I liked your idea IRONHORSE, wish I would have had the foresight. Moving forward until the next "road block"

Sikorsky72 · 01-05-2017, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram-Man

Isn't the stock small block location in the forward holes in the frame? I thought there was plenty room for a hei in this location.

Forward holes on the drivers side? Mine were on the back holes. As soon as I changed to the forward holes, no issues!

palallin · 01-06-2017, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram-Man

Isn't the stock small block location in the forward holes in the frame? I thought there was plenty room for a hei in this location.

Rear holes for the 4x4. And an HEI fits; it's tight, but it fits. If it doesn't, I'll bet there's something else out of position.

57taskforce · 01-06-2017, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palallin

Rear holes for the 4x4. And an HEI fits; it's tight, but it fits. If it doesn't, I'll bet there's something else out of position.

This.

BrianG · 01-06-2017, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sikorsky72

Thanks for everyone chiming in on my concern, I truly appreciate it! The HEI was TO tight for my liking and the valve cover had zero room on the passenger side. KWMEC, you pretty much nailed it! I don't have to worry about the fan shroud because of electric fans and new radiator. I liked your idea IRONHORSE, wish I would have had the foresight. Moving forward until the next "road block"

You may want to take a look at your body mounts. If they get really worn, the body can sag enough to make this even tighter. But... Yeah, they fit and if yours didn't then seems like something else must be contributing.

01-04-2017, 11:49 PM	#1
Sikorsky72 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 8	engine vs. firewall Last weekend I installed a new engine, rebuilt 350 trans and a rebuilt NP205 transfer case in my 72 chevy swb 4x4 k10. Long story short; move firewall or cross-member(s). After a few days deliberation I think I want to drill new holes in my frame and move the entire drivetrain forward 1". Anyone tried this?? Potential problems?? Advice?? __________________ I'm not young enough to know everything.

01-05-2017, 01:36 PM	#2
BILT4ME Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 267	Re: engine vs. firewall Why do you need to move the engine FORWARD? Does the distributor interfere with the firewall? I had a custom truck I did a number of years ago and I used a ball peen hammer to stretch the steel in the firewall and created a recessed area about 1/2"-3/4" deep to clear the HEI distributor I installed. I located the area needing modified and used a sharpie marker to outline it, then with LOTS of gentle hits, I worked the metal into a recess that actually looks factory made to the untrained eye. I have no pics of it, as I sold the truck 17 years ago......... If you move the engine FORWARD, you put more weight on the front axle. Generally for better handling and road manners, everyone usually wants to move the engine to the REAR. In my case, I was placing a 69 Chevy body on a 60 K10 frame. __________________ 1970 GMC K2500 Dis-use is harder on a car than mis-use.

01-05-2017, 02:43 PM	#3
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,954	Re: engine vs. firewall It's tight, but an HEI will fit a 4X4. Don't try to install it with the cap on.

01-05-2017, 02:53 PM	#4
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,596	Re: engine vs. firewall If you move the stand forward on the drivers forward to the next bolt hole you'll be good. I think it's 1-1/4'' then you only have to drill the pass side. I've done quite a few, especially on the K5s when putting in a doubler or t400. Helps with the rear driveline angle. After you do this, you can either cut the 4x shroud down or use the 2wd shroud. Make sure to check the oil pan clearance afterwards though. If you are at stock height, it may want to bump the oil pan. Any type of lift and your good

01-05-2017, 09:03 PM	#7
James Pierce Active Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cle Elum, Washington Posts: 164	Re: engine vs. firewall I installed a 75 350 w/HEI in a 69 C20 4x4, tight but worked. __________________ cascadeheavychevy 67 C10 327 4speed 69 C20 350 4WD 4speed 69 C20 350 4WD 4speed 69 C20 350 4 soeed 69 C20 CST 350 Auto 70 C10 307 4speed 71 GMC Supr 350 Auto 70 C10 350 Auto 67 CST 327 Auto

01-05-2017, 09:24 PM	#9
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,284	Re: engine vs. firewall Just a thought but when I did my '71 4x4 (stock height and stock engine position) I used my original GM points distributor with the Petronix Igniter II HEI innards. Works great, uses the original points style cap with the "window" but looks stock. Being a 4x4 I just really did not think I had the room for a big GM HEI distributor. Just an option. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

01-05-2017, 09:59 PM	#10
Ram-Man Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 943	Re: engine vs. firewall Isn't the stock small block location in the forward holes in the frame? I thought there was plenty room for a hei in this location. __________________ Porterbuilt 8 Lugger http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691739

01-05-2017, 10:52 PM	#12
Sikorsky72 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 8	Re: engine vs. firewall Thanks for everyone chiming in on my concern, I truly appreciate it! The HEI was TO tight for my liking and the valve cover had zero room on the passenger side. KWMEC, you pretty much nailed it! I don't have to worry about the fan shroud because of electric fans and new radiator. I liked your idea IRONHORSE, wish I would have had the foresight. Moving forward until the next "road block" __________________ I'm not young enough to know everything.



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