Chevy V8 into '55 FFPW?

[2many]

Does anyone have some good info on swapping a Chevy 350 into a FFPW? Not meaning to offend any of the purists here, but I have a '55 with a non-running, passenger car 230 swapped in and also have a recently rebuilt complete Chevy 350 sitting in my garage. Wanting to put it in to have a driver PW while I locate and rebuild a correct motor. I would like to keep the stock transmission. Adapters, links, any been-there-done-that info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -Scott

[57pw72442]

been there doing that

I have my 350 EFI engin and computer in my 55 truck. Cab is painted, on and wired up. Still finishing the rest up such as the brakes and steering. I had to use a chevy bell housing and an adapter I made to mount the original trans and transfer in the same position as original. Also had to make a custom engin mount/crosover brace and transmistion mounts. I could put it back to original but with all the work put into the mounts and adapter plate ect I just don't see this as a casual swap. I would say if you enjoy fabricating stuff and have access to the machines, this is a way to make a reliable drivable truck. PS I used the chevy only cause I had one and I know them well. I would have used a 318 but never came accros one for cheap:-)
P

[2many]

Very cool - sounds like a similar situation. I was planning on a carbureted 350 because, like you, it's what I have lying around. I don't suppose you have any CAD drawings or specs on the adapters you created? Or even just some pics and dimensions? Would love some more details on the bellhousing / clutch arrangement you came up with. Just curious how big an undertaking this is... Not afraid of fab work at all but if someone's "been there, doing it", I'd really appreciate the insight. Alright if I PM you and would you send me some pics, etc.? Thanks!

[57pw72442]

old school

Funny but I have almost no drawings. I did it all old school as they say. I have a bunch of pics I can try to send. I'm trying to go over the build in my head as to how to explain it and I keep forgetting alot of what I did! It's only been 6 months but alot has happened and alot of trial and error. I started withmatching up the trans. I used the chevy bell and a 1/2 inch plate sandwitched to get the corect spacing and the plate serves as trans mount as well. Lined everything up and drilled trans mount holes. Had a time finding a presure plate that matched the splines but napa had it. Made my own fork and pivot point, will use a hydrolic slave. I then hung the motor and trans in position in the frame ppositioning the trans in the factory place. was able to use a fixed chevy fan blade with original radiator. Can't use the shroud. Found at this point shorty headers were nessesary and some firewall moving. Made the crosover and motor mounts than the trans mounts to frame. Did the power steering bracket then. Last I cut the firewall and moved the center section back 2". Made it a pain to make the hanging pedals and had to go with hydrolic assist brakes due to space or lack there in. I mounted the cab and ran the compleat wiring harnes and colum from the 89 blazer the engin came from. Best way to do wiring!! take the whole thing from something else:-) I think I made it all sound easier than it was but it all works!
P

[maineSS]

If you go to the "Glovebox" section of www.dodgepowerwagon.com (Power Wagon Repower by Dan O'Day), you'll run across an article that details a 350 swap. It has some interesting data on fan mounting, rad mods, and tranny mounts.

[2many]

Great info and thanks (to both of you!). I was hoping to use the factory transmission and not have to modify the firewall but this may not be possible. Might have to rethink the approach with a different trans as well. Never easy, I guess! I would like to see some pics of your install though if you would email to msmsharrington 'at' comcast 'dot' net. Thanks again for your help.