Engine and Radiator question

[da_bears_da1]

I have a 350 in my 65 step side and and have a firewall clearance issue. We put roller rockers in the motor so had to go with the tall valve covers which are about 1/8th of an inch from the firewall.

I also need a new radiator and am thinking about trying to get a side mount radiator instead of a saddle mount. If I can find the right side mount then I could go ahead and move my motor forward to the front two motor perch holes which would give me a 2.5" clearance from my firewall.

Would appreciate any feedback on both the motor and radiator mounting. It just seems to be easier to move the motor forward versus cutting the firewall. Here are some pics of what I have now.

Pics of how close to the firewall I am:



Here is the current engine perch location:



Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[Chevy Fleetside]

I was going to put a cross flow radiator in my truck. I was mocking it up and decided to go to my standard top tank alum instead. It was alot easier and now I have an extra alum cross flow radiator hanging around.
Can't you just adjust the firewall a bit without cutting.. I think there should be enough room to get a radiator in there if you move it forward. People have done it with the BB's.

[bmur66]

I have a big block, short water pump, plenty of firewall clearance (2.5"?), aluminum saddle mount down flow radiator with dual electric fans.
You will have to use a short water pump.
I had to use the thinnest shrouded electric fan I could find. I think it is 2.5" and there is about 1/2" to 3/4" clearance between the fan and water pump pulley.
I don't see where there would be more or less space by using a side mount. The radiator would still be in about the same place.
You could still use a mechanical fan and factory shroud but I don't think you will have room for your fan clutch.

*disclaimer* I am a rookie with these trucks. This is just what worked for me....so far

[Chevy Fleetside]

You could always use a pusher fan. Not as good as a puller though.

[da_bears_da1]

Thanks for the replies! Went over the truck today and realized that I would have to disassemble the front suspension to be able to relocate the lower engine perch bolts. In addition I have the CPP trans support for my TH400 and the bolts are spaced 4" apart. So I would have had to drill 4 new holes for the trans support and 2 for the lower perch. Then comes the filling and grinding on the old holes.

Decided to modify the firewall.

Thanks again!