[sandwillys]

Anyone know if you can transplant a chevy big block into a straight axle 56 chevy stepside?It has the stock steering box which seemed to hit the exhaust manifold. Will block hugger headers help. Will the stock straight axle hold up to the added weight?

[Deuce]

I installed a real LS-6 454 - 450 Horsepower 70 Chevelle engine in my 55 Chevy Camaro pickup years ago. I moved the engine over about a inch or maybe a inch and 1/2 ... I used a 69 Nova Big Block 4 core radiator ... a 67 Chevelle 396 short water pump and pulleys. I used a Turbo 400 automatic transmission.

My 454 was NOT in the same exact location a factory SBC would be ... I moved it forward just a little bit ... maybe a inch ...



I used a crossmember type of engine mounting system ... like the one shown above. The steering and the straight axle held up great ... but the big engine really made you want better brakes

[speedydeedy]

DEUCE, I didn't know chevy made camaro pickups. LOL "CAMEO" MERRY CHRISTMAS.

[sandwillys]

Thanks for the info, I thought about moving it over, but was'nt sure if there would be a problem with the driveshaft being at a slight side angle. I already have the engine and am planning on getting either a t400 or 700r4 to bolt up to it. I'm glad somebody knew if this was possible, knowbody I've talked to semmed to know. Thanx, Mike.

[speedydeedy]

Use the TH400, a big block will fry a 700R4.Also moving the engine over does not hurt. A chevy astro van comes from the factory with the engine offset to the pass. side for foot room by accelerator.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by speedydeedy

DEUCE, I didn't know chevy made camaro pickups. LOL "CAMEO" MERRY CHRISTMAS.

It's difficult getting OLD ...
It was a Cameo ... I had 5 of them at one time ...
Most were " parts trucks "

Two were drivers ... one with the 454-450 and one with a 350/370 LT1 from a 70 Corvette

I should have been saving all that good stuff back then instead of using it and tearing stuff up ... Oh Well ... thats what makes that stuff RARE now

[NEW INTERIORS]

Originally Posted by Deuce

I installed a real LS-6 454 - 450 Horsepower 70 Chevelle engine in my 55 Chevy Camaro pickup years ago. I moved the engine over about a inch or maybe a inch and 1/2 ... I used a 69 Nova Big Block 4 core radiator ... a 67 Chevelle 396 short water pump and pulleys. I used a Turbo 400 automatic transmission.

My 454 was NOT in the same exact location a factory SBC would be ... I moved it forward just a little bit ... maybe a inch ...



I used a crossmember type of engine mounting system ... like the one shown above. The steering and the straight axle held up great ... but the big engine really made you want better brakes

Deuce,I thought you Put a camaro front clip under that truck,And just called it that.LOL

[lbell101]

Originally Posted by sandwillys

Anyone know if you can transplant a chevy big block into a straight axle 56 chevy stepside?It has the stock steering box which seemed to hit the exhaust manifold. Will block hugger headers help. Will the stock straight axle hold up to the added weight?

Yes, you can. You'll have to notch the front frame crossmember to make room for the harmonic. You will want the engine as far back as the distributor will allow so you can get the radiator in (It will still take some engineering). The stock box will fit with the correct headers as will a saginaw conversion. You won't have to move it over. I'm working on my second one now. Staright axle isn't a problem but a conversion would be better.

Larry

[sandwillys]

Great picture, what type of headers are you using?

[lbell101]

I wish I could remember for sure. I know we used Sandersons on one of the two 57s but I'm not sure which. I looked in the file today but the slip isn't in there. Must have been a cc purchase. I'd check with Sanderson first and tell them what you are doing. I'll keep an eye out for the invoice.

Larry

[DOUBLEDICK]

When I first put my 427 big block in my 58 I had a manual transmission and the bell housing bolted to the stock cross member and I used a engine cross member from brothers trucks.I was able to use stock 69 GMC 4x4 headers and only 1 tube needed to be dimpled to clear the stock steering box.When I switched to a 700r4(custom built for this big block)I raised the engine up and moved it forward to allow room for transmission.When I did that I had to cut the 2 back tubes off and cut up an old header and weld in pieces to go around the steering box.Notice the dents in the fire wall.You will need to make room for the rocker arm covers to get the big block in on the stock bell housing.I like my engine moved forward and raised up so it is centered on the radiator.You will need a front anti-sway bar and stock brakes wont slow it down fast enough. The power disk brake conversion is highly recommended.Go to the hotrodders lounge to "55 to 59 chevy truck owners" for more information from other guys that own these trucks.

[chevy551958]

Well I've got a '55 I converted over to a 4x4 and a big block...I used headers from a 70's/80's fullsize Blazer....they clear ENERYTHING and fit good. I did have to modify the firewall for valve cover clearance, which can be seen in my photo album. The end result came out pretty good....the firewall doesn't look hacked, it almost looks factory.