63 big block swap help

[Eazyrider111]

Hi everyone been lurking for a while now and need some help installing my big block. My issue is what motor mount brackets to get? I did a crossmember swap out of a 73 c10 1/2 for the disc brakes in the front. Finally got that all bolted up and took a look at the stock motor mount brackets for my 63 and they seem to sit back too far. My question is what mounts to get 73-87 mounting brackets and mod the frame? Tubular after market for a 63? Anyone else have this issue?

[Chevy Fleetside]

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...60#post7294160 This is my thread. You should be able to use the forward holes with the mounts but you will probably have to drill some holes somewhere.

[Eazyrider111]

Thanks for the heads up. I will see if that works I guess I could always drill a hole in the crossmember and use my stock 63 motor mount brackets.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by Eazyrider111

Thanks for the heads up. I will see if that works I guess I could always drill a hole in the crossmember and use my stock 63 motor mount brackets.

the headers might now clear the left mount. That is why I used these mounts.

[Eazyrider111]

I fear you may be right about the headers.Are you running a 73-87 chevy center mount?

[Captainfab]

The engine mount frame brackets from a '73-'87 C20 or C30 will fit the early frames better than the C10 brackets. These will also move the engine forward some. Another option is to use '68-'71 big block engine mounts and the frame brackets. On my '66 Suburban I fabricated my own engine mount brackets and used '73-'87 headers. Also my Suburban isn't lowered other than the extra weight of the big block. I recommend running a short water pump, especially with a big block.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I guess I should say the only reason I didn't use the 783 to 87 mounts is because I thought they were ugly. That's about it. I probably still have them laying around somewhere. but I think I got rid of them.

[Eazyrider111]

Well I ordered up some mounting brackets. I ordered the ones from POL 63-67 C10 SB/BB mounts and tubular brackets. Hope these work I figure I will have to drill a hole or two in the center support and cut the frame rail about a 1/2" on both sides. If I move the brackets to the forward position I wonder if I will have a enough room for the radiator.?. Captain I cant remember what water pump I have but will figure it out hopefully the short pump. Thanks for the info guys.

[Chevy Fleetside]

They will work. I used the rear holes and notched my firewall. I have 4" of space between the radiator and fan. I have a stock clutch fan and long water pump. If you use the forward holes the space is about 1 1/2 to 2" of space.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Eazyrider111

Well I ordered up some mounting brackets. I ordered the ones from POL 63-67 C10 SB/BB mounts and tubular brackets. Hope these work I figure I will have to drill a hole or two in the center support and cut the frame rail about a 1/2" on both sides. If I move the brackets to the forward position I wonder if I will have a enough room for the radiator.?. Captain I cant remember what water pump I have but will figure it out hopefully the short pump. Thanks for the info guys.

I used the same POL mounts, moved the mounting location 1" forward of the rear holes and had plenty of clearance for a LWP and plenty of radiator room.

I also had to trim the frame for the POL mounts and the 2" header tubes.

[Eazyrider111]

Thanks guys for the reply's. I did some measuring this morning and I have a short water pump. So from what you guys are telling me I should have no problems with radiator clearance. I was hoping that I would not have to trim the firewall. I do have the tall valve covers so It might be inevitable. I also ordered up some cab mounts so going to get the cab on and trim frame and see where I'm at.

[1963c-10]

I ran vintage Edelbrock valve covers and didn't need any firewall work. I'd set the engine in where you want it and then massage the firewall only if you have too.

[Eazyrider111]

Man that engine is nice. Cant wait to get mine in I believe I have a set of tall valve covers on mine I guess that is a cheap swap compared to firewall sacrifice. I will post some pics of my progress. Thanks for the encouraging photos.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Eazyrider111

Man that engine is nice. Cant wait to get mine in I believe I have a set of tall valve covers on mine I guess that is a cheap swap compared to firewall sacrifice. I will post some pics of my progress. Thanks for the encouraging photos.

Thanks and no problem. Welcome to ask any questions and I'll do my best to help as will the rest of the members here.

Are you running a manual trans or an auto? If its a manual, I can help on that end also. I converted mine to a hydraulic clutch to make it a little more "knee friendly".

One inch forward off the rear factory holes also gave me plenty of clearance for a large cap Mallory HEI. Was no problem removing the distributor to prime the engine or for maintenance down the road.

Also....a pic of the notch for the POL mounts. Trimmed the frame for additional clearance on the headers also since I went with 2" primaries.

[Eazyrider111]

[Eazyrider111]

Thanks for the info and great pictures. Did you use a cut off wheel or plasma to cut the frame? I posted some pictures of the motor pretty sure that's a small water pump. I'm pretty set on running a automatic was thinking 700r4. That way I can cruise on the freeway and still get some decent gas mileage with the overdrive. What tranny are you running?

[Eazyrider111]

Oh yeah and I forgot to mention, I have to run the tall valve covers. Looked over the build sheet cause I couldn't remember if we went with rockers or not and we did. Firewall will need some massaging.

[Eazyrider111]

Here is a shot of the chassis thus far. 4" drop coils in the back 2.5" drop spindles with 1" drop HD coils.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Eazyrider111

Thanks for the info and great pictures. Did you use a cut off wheel or plasma to cut the frame? I posted some pictures of the motor pretty sure that's a small water pump. I'm pretty set on running a automatic was thinking 700r4. That way I can cruise on the freeway and still get some decent gas mileage with the overdrive. What tranny are you running?

I taped off where I wanted to remove the metal and just used a 4" grinder. I'm sure there are other methods, but it did what I needed done.

I'm running a manual.....borg warner t-16

And great looking engine!!

[1963c-10]

This will help in the water pump id

[Eazyrider111]

Thanks for the kind words. So I'm still up in the air about my tranny. I think a 700r4 would be nice but seems like a lot of work. I am considering a TH400. This truck is a secondary vehicle probably taken on the freeway once in awhile but short distances under 20 miles. my rear end ratio is 3.73. Just want to drive it no drag strip for me.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I am running a 700R4 behind mine. It was built strong because it was in my 79 4x4 for a while and I was towing and hauling stuff. It has a reprogramming kit and a corvette style servo. The one two shift is pretty harsh but I kind of like it when 2nd gear chirps and if I am in the throttle enough will get a tiny burn out shifting into 2nd. On the freeway I am taching 1800 to 2000 RPM's at 70 MPH. I am running 3.08's in the rear with 28" tall tires. I don't really know the gas mileage but I think I was getting 12 on the way down to LA but the tune was off on the engine and carb. I have since tuned all that but have not gone anywhere.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I finally put my new dist back in with all new insides. The old one almost burned through.

[Eazyrider111]

I'm going to stick with the plan of the 700r4. It might cost more in the end but I will not be limited. Love that simple but clean look of your 454. Those valve covers rock! I will post some more stuff once I get the parts in.

[Chevy Fleetside]

[QUOTE=Eazyrider111;7296935]I'm going to stick with the plan of the 700r4. It might cost more in the end but I will not be limited. Love that simple but clean look of your 454. Those valve covers rock! I will post some more stuff once I get the parts in.[/QUOTE
I think you will like the 700. It is nice to have that extra gear going down the freeway. It just makes for a smoother ride.
Here is another shot of the engine. I was going for the simple look without to much Bling.