Hot Rods Straight 8 to V8 swap

I have a 51 buick club coupe that originally had a straight 8. Im swapping it with a 455 from a 75 electra, i have ******, driveshaft and rear end. Are there any motor mount conversions out there? has anyone done this before and knows the dimensions?

 

steering box location could be a problem.

 

I am sure it has been done before but is not so common that ready made mounts or patterns are available.

The normal process is to position the ch***is on jack stands/supports, remove the front end sheet metal to improve ch***is access, lower the engine (with transmission is best) into the ch***is and move around until it clears major parts. Block it into place and begin mocking up frame mounts (cardboard is good) to bridge the gap between the ch***is and engine mounts. When satisfied with patterns, make the parts from steel.

A more difficult process is providing appropriate mounts and control arms for the rear axle after removing the original torque tube drive line. That too has been done, but it's late and could be the subject of an additional post tomorrow if you want some suggestions on that phase.

Ray

 

Hnstray, when ya get a chance, elaborate on the rear end update/swap would ya? Thank ya sir!

 

I'll add one item to Ray's list: don't be afraid of shifting the engine and trans to the p*** side if you need a little clearance around the steering box.
If you do move the engine to the side you must keep the 'new' centerline parallel to the 'old' centerline.
You want the front u-joint to have the same displacement angle as the rear u-joint when viewed from above.
This then also requires that the vertical angles to be the same, front and rear.

BTW, you get extra points for using a 455 in the swap!

.

 

As far as dimensions go, You should specify if it's a "Special", "Super" or a "Roadmaster". 3 different lengths and two widths of vehicles in just "'51 Buick".

Sent from my SM-J500FN using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

So far as I know no one has ever done this. Swapping a V8 to a car with an inline engine usually runs into interference in the steering area because of width. Unless the car had a V8 option which yours didn't.

Take some photos and let us know how you make out.