Technical chevy smallblock in a 29 ford

This swap has probably been done thousands of times, but not by me. I think I might have to push the firewall back some, but would rather not disturb the tank if possible. I would love some advice from you guys that have done this. Thanks Rich

 

The lower part of the firewall have to be set back

 

Does anybody have any good pictures of a 29 with a smallblock sitting in place? a picture is worth what? Thanks Rich

 

Do a search there are lots of build threads.just about any v6 v8 has to have a notch below the gas tank

 

Again!

 

^^ That's not helpful....

 

Here is mine, the engine is a tad further back than it needs to be. The problem you might have is removing the distributor with the stock tank, that would worry me.

 

Marty, thanks for the picture. Where is the crankshaft centerline in relation to the top of the frame rails? Thanks Rich

 

Rich, The crank C/L is 1/2" below the top of the rail. It's a tad higher than most, but this is a race/street application.

 

Maybe you should have...

 

My pee pee feels funny when I look at this truck.

 

I hope to be back on it soon, thanks for your interest.

 

Wouldn't have to worry about removing the distributor if it were in right place to start with, right?

 

This one has the stock tank. I fabricated an indent for the distributor.

 

not a Chevy , but it is a small block in my 29 P.U.

 

Rich are you engine swapping the pickup or starting a new project?

Lee

 

Me again. Been so long since we all got together I forgot about the yellow roadster. Out with in 4 in with the 8?

 

On a model A frame, If you set the motor to run a mechanical fan( not low in the frame) you have to recess the top part of the fire wall too.. If you recess the bottom fire wall about 3 1/2", You can recess the top firewall for the distributor about 2 1/2" before you hit the gas tank.. Not a very good pic but you sort of get the idea... **clic pic**

 

On a 32 frame, you don't have to recess firewall at all.. **clic pic**

 

I was going to mention it but got beat to the punch! You’ve got a couple inches you could clearance the upper for the distributor to come out before you would hit the gas tank.

 

I have a 29 roadster with a sbc since 1965, rebuilt it in 90's and put in a *****in firewall & gas tank front, (tank was gone) and I should have put a relief in the tank front. Working on the distributor is a huge pain, removal is a very large project. Thankfully I converted to Pertronix a few years back. Unless your heavily invested in the chevy I'd go with the ford. The center line on the crank is about 1" below the top rail.
My opinion, just like belly ****ons, everyone has one.

 

Yeah, but that's a Lincoln engine.

 

Especially if they put the gas tank out back...

 

I fixed it for you

 

My 29 roadster is hurtin for legroom to begin with If I recess the firewall much it will be worse. Smallblock fords have so much "stuff"on the front You have to set them even further back. How about two small electric fans, one above the waterpump pulley and one below this allowing the engine to set in front of the firewall instead of back into it? By the way, the Lincoln valve covers look great on that chevy. Hey Lee hope this covid thing gets solved soon so we can get back to Friday morning breakfasts with the guys. Thanks for the response guys! Rich

 

That's a 30/31, not a 29.

 

I like a Model A on a '32 rail. I fixes a lot of the problems.

 

I personally think model A's make better hot rods on model A frames with stock grille shells.... **clic pic**

 

Thats one of them cross dressing Chevy engines, you know, the ones wearing women’s underwear to feel pretty...

 

Done correctly you don't lose foot room still use the stock tank, run a mechanical fan, and you can pull the distributor. Stock hood, radiator location etc.
I made the section above the distributor removable.