SBC in Henry (1949 Chevy 3600)

[Coach529]

I acquired a low mileage 350 and TH 350 set up over the weekend and am looking into what it will take for the install.

Running stock front suspension with a Sid's front axle. I have an updated rear end already. Runnin a 3.43 out of a 1994 Blazer 4 x 4.

Who makes the most painless cross members?

Do I need to worry about hugger headers, or just space the steering box?

Any other surprises I need to worry about?

[dwcsr]

You can use one that mount on the front if its 90 and down or a side mount for later years. Either can be had at any number of vendors, Summit, Jegs, Speedway.

[nvrdone]

I've got a 327 with a m21 in my '49. I mounted the tail shaft to the stock trans cross member, got the engine square & level & then fabbed brackets to mount to the frame rails. I did space the steering box out about 1 1/2" & used center dump exhaust manifolds. I also have a 3" dropped axle from Sid's. Its been set up this way for over
30 years & drives great

[OrrieG]

Check your accessory mounting, some newer accessory brackets use the front former motor mount lugs, usually ps pumps.

[Coach529]

Thanks for the info guys!!

[mechanixman]

The biggest problem you'll have is clearance between the exhaust manifold, and the steering box. Everything else should have enough room. At least that's what my project is like right now.

Unless you mount the engine up high, headers won't really fit. Ram horns are your best bet. (there was a forum asking whether to use headers or exhaust manifolds, people gave several pros for using manifolds, not many for headers.)Even then, clearance will be tight.

On my project, I can't use the original steering column because I can't shim it over enough. So I'm using a manual steering box from a 1980 C20. I'll shim it over just enough, then build some steering linkage kinda like the one in the picture.