Hot Rods 348/409 into 37-39 Chevy coupe

Anybody done this one? I tried the search but I'm a Hamb freindly cat, not good with ****ons

 

Never have, but if I can put a '37 flathead in a '31 Model A without cutting the firewall or moving the radiator, I'm sure a W-block can be made to work in a '37-'39 Chevy! A ruler/tape measure and plenty of time to map it out is all you need. Firewall to radiator, I would think there was PLENTY of room since the OG engine was 6 cylinders long and the W is only 4 long. Just need to figure out positioning between the rails.

If no others have done it (which I highly doubt), be the first!

 

A number of sites with a BBC in these and W motor should be same length
You will need one of these
https://www.srbymichael.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=8308/mode=prod/prd8308.htm

 

I think it will work and be real cool.

Pat

 

I am putting one in a 37 Pontiac.

 

Here's a picture of a 39 that does not look like the firewall has been modified and the one below is one of my 39 that I built many years ago with a Dodge Hemi in it that didn't require any mods and as I recall the Hemi was a bit longer than the 409.

 

Since all the first generation SBC, BBC, and W motors can use the same mounts, there's no reason it wont work easily. A straight six is 2 cylinders longer and fits fine.
When I put the SBC in my '39 coupe I set it as far back as the distributor would allow with a stock firewall, and used a short water pump. With the new aluminum radiator mounted in the old stock location I ended up putting a 1" spacer on the mechanical fan to get it closer to the radiator core. So a long water pump would have worked fine too.

 

Per my old namesake, I put a BBC into a 38 Chevy without cutting the firewall. I did move the radiator about 3-4 inches further forward for extra clearance up front. So a W engine should fit as well.

I used one of those universal tube engine mount crossmembers. Picture showing it had approx 1/4 inch clearance in many places, but it all fit and I drove many thousands of miles.

 

width length height sump starter weight
Chevy BB V8 348, 409 28 ½" 34 ½" 32" Rear Right 685

 

Curious what mounts did you use on this ? I am doing this one. I was going to use :
Energy Suspension Motor Mounts/Motor Mount Inserts 3.1114G Hate to add another part that joins the shelf of parts of which I have bought but cannot use.