Technical 57 or 58? (front or side mounts) 283 for Model A Pickup

Putting a 283 in my 31 pickup and have two available, a '57 & '58

Want to ask the experts if one is preferred over the other, specifically if front or side mounts are more efficient/effective for a V8 build? Thank you!

Speedway sells an adapter mount for the 57 block and side mounts for SBC

 

Both work, it all boils down to the period look your after.

 

Thanks! Going for late 50's early 60's but didn't know if using front mounts are easier than side mounts or vice versa.

I know I'm going to have to weld mounts if I go with side location but wasn't sure if there is extra work/considerations with front mounts

The Speedway adapter for the '57 seems little more straight forward, but wasn't sure if either side or front provide more clearance or options for engine location in proximity to radiator and firewall

 

For ease when it come to supporting trans 58 and up block. You didn't mention trans you'll use.

 

Good point, thanks. I've got a '57 3 speed and a '66 4 speed

 

In building any vehicle the steering box, steering column and drag link have to be figured out first then once the engine is in the hole find a set of exhaust manifolds that will clear your steering box and frame, then once that's done it's time to figure out the motor mounts. If you decide to use front mounts you really should build a bellhousing mount to support the back of the engine and the transmission. Best of luck with your project.

 

When doing a pedal car things get real crowded fast in the area that a bellhousing support would need to share on the driver side.

 

Exhaust is a factor with side mounts.

Which ever way you go pieces are readily available to attain any choice.
Just don't wind up with a cross member trans mount and a front engine mount. Risky stress on bellhouse.

If easy drives your choice, what he said.

As I think harder, you should want the four speed. If the linkages seem daunting, go with a hydraulic clutch. Headers to clear steering. ALL BEST

 

As others have posted, if using front mounts than you really need a mid mount, that may make your decision for you.

 

Appreciate it!

If I go w/ the '57 block I was going to use a rear mount to ***ist

I'm leaning toward the '58 because it came with stock power pack heads & 4bbl carb. And attaching the 4-speed trans behind it

Both engines have ram horn exhaust manifolds, and I'm using an F1 steering column & box

I just wanted to make sure there were no significant advantages with the '57 or disadvantages with the '58 before going all in

 

If you use the front mount and tail housing mount they are a long ways apart run a iron bellhousing.

 

Most front mounts interfere with the use of a mechanical fuel pump .

 

Best pic ever of a chevy in a ford!

 

haha I don't know how you mean

 

I have a 34 Ford truck & a 32 Ford 5 window. Both have old chevy engines (283 &
327) . I used side engine mounts & a cross member with a trans mount & never had any problems. Cheap stainless block huggers clear & exhaust fit under the truck & car with out problems . If you choose a front mount you will need a mount
at the bell housing & possibly one under the trans if you use the heavy 4 sp. The
bell housing mount will make more problems with the clutch linkage. Both of my
vehicle have manual trans & I have had no problems. It is your build so it is your
decision to make but remember two things can not occupy the same space.

 

dont think anyone has brought it up yet, but using the front Hurst Style mount makes it very tough to use a stock mechanical fuel pump. no issues with side mount however. I have a front mount setup on my 39, but when i swap transmissions this summer i will be switching to side mounts and going back t a mechanical pump instead of an electric.

 

^^^^^ Four post's before yours.

 

^^^^ Yeah, Petey Eastwood nailed that one...

 

Appreciate all the help! I'm gonna go with the '58 with side mounts, thanks!

 

Use the 58 , then later you can bolt in a 327 or 350 if you want.

The 57 front mount block is a 1 year only 283 which would command $$$ from a restorer.
It is the only front mount block with full flow lifter gallery oiling.

The 57 block [3731548 casting number] is used for both 265 and 283 displacement so it could be either.

 

1957 283's had block mount starter holes. This was for Turboglide. Seems that it might have had side motor mount holes too. Perhaps the 3731548 block was a 265 block.

 

I would go with the 58 engine, that way you could use either style mount. I had side mounts welded into my '29, and decided to switch and build my own front mount. Mine utilizes a ****ter shield bell housing, and will get a mid mount. The main reason I went this route, was the Saginaw 525 box interfered with the driver side mount. The other consideration in using the front mount is the lower radiator hose routing.

 

Great job on that mount, Marty.
Thing of beauty.

 

Can you make another of those mounts for me to buy? Or is a front mount out there for my 350 in my 31 model a? Thanks.