Big Block in on a 63 chassis?????????

[ranger374]

I am debating on going with a big block and manual tranny for my rebuild. Will it fit in the 63 frame?? Do you have to change/modify the bellhousing mount crossmember?? Or the motor mounts?? Will the bellhousing clear the front of the cab??

[Captainfab]

Yes installing a big block in a '63 is quite doable. The '63-'66 frames are almost identical to the '67-'87 frames. So a big block installation can use parts intended for the '69-'87's when the big block was available. You can likely leave the bellhousing crossmember where it is, as well as the small block motor mounts. If you leave the engine in the stock location, you will be restricted to stock height valve covers. Even at that they will be close to the firewall. The one issue you may have is if you decide to run headers, is the interference with the clutch bellcrank. Also you will need to trim the top flange of the frame rails slightly for header/manifold clearence. Most of us that have went with a big block have installed an automatic transmission as well. I'm sure a big block with a manual trans is possible (I have seen one), but I don't have any experience with the install. If you decide to go ahead with this, and you discover issues, I'm sure we can help you thru the problems.

You might check out Protrash64's big block install in his Suburban in the 'Projects and Builds' section of the '60-'66 forum. He has a lot of pics of the installation.

BTW Welcome to the forum