what specifically do you want to ask? It will fit but it takes some work. The biggest problem you will have is finding headers that will clear the upgraded steering you should add. Here is mine nestled into the engine bay.

 

We have a lot of info on the subject. I have a big block as well. Ask away, but I suggest reading through past posts. Use the search option and browse through the [big-block forum]. -Glad you joined us- welcome.

 

Joninomader (and anyone else with a BB install),
Would you mind sharing details of your install? Specifically: steering arrangement, mounts, headers, fuel pump, starter and anything else you think may be helpful. I'm at the crossroads now where I'm ready to start ordering all these components.

My plan is to go with manual steering using the roller bearing pitman/idler arm upgrade, brake booster (disk brakes) and I'd like to leave the firewall alone, if possible.

Thanks!

 

More than one way to skin a cat.

There are at least a dozen options. Engine in stock location and hammer the firewall for clearance. engine set forward. . Front & side mount. Three point mount. modify oil pan . modify steering linkage. Hedders. Cast iron manifolds. It varies. I wanted to install a Pontiac 400 in a 56 chevy. The work involved was problematic. especially since the Pontiac starter is on the drivers side(interfered with the steering gear). So I frame clipped it with a camaro -firebird subframe. I got front disk brakes . forward mounted power steering and the engine bolted in. It would work equally as well for a Big Block Chevy. lots of info here.

 

That raises a good point. I have a site suggestion if this doesn't already exist. I'm sure there's a place for this kind of suggestion but maybe it's already somewhere and I'm just not seeing it.

How about a place where ppl can upload a list of things they used on their project known to all work together? A "notes from the field" sort of corner, if you will.

To elaborate on that: One thing I've learned with this project is that you pretty much have to know your endgame before you buy a single part. And it would be great if it was just that easy. In some cases, it almost seems like you have to buy a single thing first to start the project then start building everything else around that hoping it will work in the end. *Not* how I like to do things, lol.

You need to figure out your steering, a/c or not, brakes, willingness to modify firewall, horns, etc, etc and so on. An hour or two on this site and any newcomer will immediately ascertain there's dozens of ways to do just about everything so it becomes a matter of finding someone that's already done something as close to what you're doing as possible, scouring all their posts for info and then bombarding that person with tons of questions.

What would be great is a list of things that all are known to work together for specific endgames. So, in my case as an example.. I know I don't want to beat up or cut the firewall, want to keep steering manual, etc. Wouldn't it be great for someone like me to be able to look at what someone else has already done that had the same type of install and see how it came out, what labor and parts were involved, etc. Another example: Let's say another guy (or gal) would like to go with power steering, a/c, rack and pinion, etc. He or she knows her endgame but doesn't know what parts work with other potential parts.

Literally my biggest roadblock with this project has been when I call and ask if things will work I etc "Well it depends on what brand/part/etc you're using for [this other aspect of the installation]". So a typical conversation goes like this:
Me: "Will motor mount kit XYZ work without modifying the firewall, using stock steering, a standard sized starter, mini brake booster and HEI distributor?"
Tech help or sales: "Depends on what headers you're using"
Me: "I'm open on that. Which headers can i use with these mounts?"
Tech help: "Depends on what steering you're using"
Me: "Manual steering.."
Tech help: "Ok what mounts are you going to be using?"
Me: "Well, that's what I called about"
Tech help: "Yeah you have to know that first"
Me: "Wait what..? Who's on first?" <hangs up, rips hair out, drinks self into drunken stupor>

Maybe I've just had awful luck with getting help via sales folks but that's been my #1 issue. I'm actually in the process of documenting everything I've done, to include part numbers, modifications, etc in case it may be of use to someone down the road but having a central place to put that type of data where it can be found would be exceedingly helpful to folks.

Anyway...just a thought.