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#21 ·
Hey everyone I have just started on my first tri-5 project. Its a 55 4dr. Im posting on this thread because I am transplanting a 348 W and 700R4 into it. I hope to be able to post photos and detailed descriptions of the install. Currently the engine is on the stand being torn down. I have the trans ready to go. I will be doing a mostly stock rebuild with a Comp Cams street grind cam and lifter kit, double roller timing chain, Pro Form billet distributor with external coil, Summit racing 750cfm electric choke carb adapted to the stock cast iron 4bbl intake. I will also upgrade to an alternator and eventually add Vintage Air A/C. I have seen pics of other tri 5 cars witb W motors in them and I am very excited to do this project. I am new to the group and this is my first tri 5 car I have ever owned so I am sure I will be asking lots of questions. Need to learn how to post pics so I can document my progress. Look forward to talking with everyone.
 
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#22 ·
55 4dr 348 W swap

Well the 348 is at the machine shop getting heads rebuilt and block preped to put back together. Currently spending time stripping the body trim to prep for paint. Cant wait to put the 348 together.
 
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#23 ·
348 W is ready to trial fit in the car

I attempted to test fit the 348 and 700R4 last night an ran into the usual issues. Oil pan will not clear center link. Pass cylinder head hit firewall before the side mounts could line up and the ds manifold was rubbing the manual gearbox. I dropped the idler arm to allow the center link to drop, hopefully enough to clear the pan. I emailed east coast Chevy to see about their 2 inch drop center link. This afternoon I will attempt to drop it in again and see what mods I will need to do to the firewall and exhaust manifold/gear box. Tried to upload pics but they won't upload.
 
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#24 ·
motor is in!

Finally got the motor in last night. Had to do some grinding on the ds exhaust manifold but did not have to touch the fire wall at all, although I still plan to "finesse" the fire wall for some additional clearance. I did have to remove the idler arm from the frame and let the centerlink hang down in order to make the oil pan clear. I got in touch with east coast chevy and they have a 2" drop centerlink for $145 with exchange. I have to remove the springs and other hardware from the steering box end to put back in the new centerlink. I will be removing my centerlink today and getting it ready to ship. I will attempt to post some pics. More to come as the project continues.
 

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#26 ·
exhaust manifold

This is where I had to grind the ds exhaust manifold to clear the gearbox. Now I have a wopping 1/8" clearance all around the gearbox without having to grind the box itself. The blue lines are where I ground down to.
 

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#29 ·
scotty t said:
anyone have a "W" motor in their tri five? i built a 409 for my nomad, but the situation changed, now i have a 348 tri power. it took a lot of work to get it sit down in there the way i wanted it to. i just thought i could compare notes with anyone who had the same setup.
scotty t :D
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Hi Scotty, found your post kinda late, but I've been playing around with this idea also. Check out the 348-409 forum
http://www.348-409.com/forum/index.php?threads/409-build-update.13440/

Like to see more of your build, keep us/me informed!
 
#31 ·
The next step

My plan is to do a full chassis restoration with upgrade to power front disc and poly bushings all the way around. I will keep the rear stock for now due to my budget. Body will undergo a full strip and re undercoat as well as internal sealer and rust protectant inside the rockers. This body is all original metal with no patch panels. The frame hardly has any surface rust on it and is as solid as factory new. I will roll the frame out and set it in the other bay in my garage and start stripping it this weekend. Cant wait to get started.
 
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#32 ·
Install of 409

I'm looking for a member who has experience in installing a 409 in a 55-57. Just purchased a 62 409 to install in my 55 and I'm looking for any help I can get to do a transplant. Car has a 406 in it now but going from SBC to BBC will need some changes made to mounts, headers and etc!!! Thanks in advance for any information I can get.
 
#33 ·
Chevyss said:
I'm looking for a member who has experience in installing a 409 in a 55-57. Just purchased a 62 409 to install in my 55 and I'm looking for any help I can get to do a transplant. Car has a 406 in it now but going from SBC to BBC will need some changes made to mounts, headers and etc!!! Thanks in advance for any information I can get.
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Send a PM to scotty t or MONK...One has a 348 the other a 409.

Image
 
#35 ·
I had a 396 in a 55 HT was a tight fit.Mike
 
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#36 ·
409 in 55

In the research stage of the install. So far I've found what it will take to install the 409 in my 55. Earle Williams has the mounts and Sanderson has the headers. They are shorty headers but they are made for clearance of the Steering box. Still wondering about the distance to set it forward. Some say 3/4 and some say 1-3/4 forward. Guess I'll purchase both sets and be prepared when installing the engine. I contacted member Monk and he has provided a bunch of good information. Thanks Monk.
 
#37 ·
scotty t said:
anyone have a "W" motor in their tri five? i built a 409 for my nomad, but the situation changed, now i have a 348 tri power. it took a lot of work to get it sit down in there the way i wanted it to. i just thought i could compare notes with anyone who had the same setup.
scotty t :D
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diann's 57-i have a 57 210 sedan w/ a 409 drivers side exhaust manifold hits steering box,cant get headers from sanderson,block huggers,until july 15th or later so the car is off the road,anyone got a fix for this let me know.
 
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scotty t
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