Big chevy into 55 Hardtop-Questions

[Hafrod]

I bought a stock 454 today out of a 70s dually. What all is involved in a big block swap into a 55? Is there going to be oil pan clearance trouble? Will stock exhaust manifolds work with factory steering box? When I bought the car, it had a new set of side motor mounts still in the box.Will they work on a 454? I am wanting to get the car running and moveable, so budget is tight as to I have to redo brakes and fuel system also.Is there any such thing as INEXPENSIVE headers for a 55 with a 454? I have had a few 55s in the past but never a big block.Any info would be GREATLY appreciated. Dan

[Late 55]

I can't be of any specific help answering your questions as I have never put a BBC in any of the Tri-5's I've owned.I'm thinking another area of concern that you haven't mentioned is the radiator location....Seems to me it would serve you well to locate it to the 6-cyl position.You may also need to go to a short water pump.Sorry I couldn't be more help.....I do wish you good luck with your adventure.I am wanting to install a BBC in my truck so I'll be watching this thread for some helpfull advice....I hope!

[PaPa Mike]

I can't remember about oil pan clearance, but I do remember that it's important to use the side mount/crossmember trans mount and move the engine at least 3/4 inch forward to allow for dist./firewall clearance. As Late55 stated radiator needs to be in the 6cyl position unless you are going to an aftermarket rad and fabricate your own braces. Also attention needs to be directed toward steering and header clearance. I'm not and expert by know means, but I can remember some of these issues from a friend's swap back in '68.
Hope this helps, some of the other guys probably can give you much more.

[dseale4888]

Welcome to the site!!
Dave

[56sedandelivery]

It seems everyone has questions about big blocks into 55-57's.Mounts,headers,oil pans,ect.In the late 70's I put a 325H.P. 396 big block into my 56' 150 busines coupe. All I did was use a Hurst front saddle mount and their frame mounts, a set of Hedman Headers, and "massaged'' the firewall for clearence at the rear of the valve covers. Also had to dimple one header tube close to the steering box. Could'nt run tall valve covers though. Wanted to us roller rockers but could'nt use the required tall valve covers so wound up using Moroso's saddle rocker conversion that turned out to be F**d Boss 302 rockers I think. Used the stock V-8 bellhousing and clutch assembly and a Muncie 4-speed with Hurst shifter.Also used the stock rear and promptly broke the stock 3.55 gears. Slipped in a 5.38 positraction 3rd member and never had any more trouble and this was a street car.Later put in a race prepped aluminum Powerglide and 68 Camaro 12 bolt with 5.38 gears on a Moroso Brute Strenth positraction to bracket race the car.Had to really sand bag the car as it did'nt have a roll bar. Finally blew the motor completely apart and sold the car as I was building a front engined dragster. Wish I had that car still to this day. As it was a business coupe I called the car Strictly Business. The only problem with the swap to big block was that on full turn of the steering wheel the drag link would just "touch" the oil pan. I thought it was a straight forward and easy swap I did by myself and at the time I had limited tools, space, and experience. So my advice is to just do it and don't sweat the little things and keept it simple. Butch

[dseale4888]

Right on Butch!!
Dave

[hphana]

Hey Dan,
I just bought a 56 210 and i'm stuffing a 515ci BBC into it with a TH400. I haven't gotten to headers yet but there seems to be plenty of room for stock manifolds. i did have to do alot of work on the firewall to fit the valve covers. You should have plenty of room at the pan. I have a full race pan and had no problem there. But i am using a front mount motor plate. As far as cheap goes "The smaller the budget The longer the project"

[fiftee6]

Figured I would join this club when I saw this post. I too have been looking long and hard for info about a big block swap. You would think there are hundreds, and there are, but where are they?
I just ripped out my 283 and th350 on Saturday, and get this - My wife of 20yrs actually guided the motor and trans out while I pulled and pushed!
I decided to just go for it. After so much reading, im done. So I'm orderin a zz454 gm with a tci 700r4. There seem to be many motor mounts but the best seem to be weld in types. Better lookin too! As for your headers, well, no such thing as cheap. You'll be buyin em twice, trust me. Do it right the first time. Sell somethin you dont need and get good ones. Patriot makes em that supposedly will clear most side mounts and the stock or 605 steering box. Williams classic in CA makes a real nice set, pricey, but after talkin w/him he says they go in nice. His mounts are nice too as he's done many.
It does have to go 3/4 forward and you cannot use tall valve covers. I am taking many photos along the way and will have a nice layout for future explanation. Im doin new steering, cntrl arms, bushings, springs and all while Im in there. Gonna re-wire the whole thing under the hood, paint it and drop it in! Im sure I will be asking many questions here too! Good luck with your build!

Phil.

[dseale4888]

Welcome fiftie6!!! Any questions we can find the answers for let us know.

[trifive]

I use sanderson headers on my big block.

Otis