Questions, questions!

[Teninchbluff]

Couple questions for you guys; The truck originally had a four on the floor setup and a 283 for the power plant. What things should I concider when switching to an automatic (column shift) and moving on up to a big block. My initial thoughts are this; I don't know exactly what engine and tranny configuration I will end up with so one concern I have is, what provisions should I make in regards to crossmember and engine mounts?

I don't want to limit room for headers nor make tranny instal problematic or limited. Are there products out there that take this problem and make it go away! For instance, an adjustable crossmember for our trucks? I have done some digging but have not found a good solution with any degree of confidence.

I want to be able to solve these issues now so I can mock needed parts before powder coat. Perhaps there is some literature out there to guide a newbie along the way lol!

[rocknss]

If you are going with a BBC then you can get the engine mounts for a BBC. On the trans side you should be able to use any of the crossmembers the vendors sells, just get the mount for the trans you decide to use. With a BBC there should be plenty of room for headers in the truck.

The parts you will need to convert from manual to auto besides crossmember and shifter is an auto flexplate, auto starter, TV cable for trans, auto radiator to hook up trans cooler lines to it. If you go with a built 700r4 you will need a torque converter lockup kit.

[57larry]

go with a 350 and turbo 350

[topside]

trade trucks to much to change keep it simple man.

[Teninchbluff]

Originally Posted by topside

trade trucks to much to change keep it simple man.

No way I'm trading trucks! Lol. It is a frame off restoration so at this point swapping over to an automatic won't be that big of an issue. I was just looking for any suggestions from those that have done the same. To many memories in the old girl to not go through the effort.

[midniteblues]

I tried a t400 behind my bb during mock up one thing i noticed was when useing a auto colum with headers that do not drop below the frame.
the frame mounted shift mech gets in the way. its no biggie as there is a aftermarket shift rod/levers that dont connect too the frame.

the crossmember isnt a big deal you could use a oe auto c member.

the manual bellhouseing c member will have too come out.

the correct bbc engine/frame mounts are a must.

oil pressure line is differnt from sb too bb.

i had a issue with using a lwp on my bbc it pushed my fan too close too the rad. I seen others didnt have this issue. something too keep in consideration
as the brackets an pullies are $$.

a nice fan shroud/fan& radiator are pluses when a bb is involved.

doing a bbc/auto in a truck is pretty easy its the bbc/manual that could be a pita.

[mrein3]

I've never swapped sbc for BBC but I have done manual to auto swaps on small blocks and I know the flexplate to crank bolts are shorter than the flywheel to crank bolts. The difference is obvious when you get there.

[Teninchbluff]

Thanks guys!