I know it's boring, but my '53 wagon got a small block today.

I've been working on this '53 wagon forever and am hoping to finally get it on the road this summer. I pulled the 235 a couple of weeks ago and prepared for the small block swap. I ran into a few obstacles, but I think I've got it in there for good now.


I used the saddle type front motor mount from speedway. I had to notch it a little right near the fuel pump, but I can still take the fuel pump off and on if I have to.


I didn't want to run headers and the manifolds were one of the obstacles I ran into. I had one that fit, but dumped right where the dipstick was. I ended up using a 265 manifold; it fits good and has the bracket attached to mount my alternator to. Plus, it looks allright with the rams horn I have on the other side.



It turned out pretty much how I wanted it to, with a minimum of fuss. There's plenty of room out front for accessory drives and a fan, something I've had problems with in the past. Hopefully, I'll have it running by the end of the week. It's getting a 409 air cleaner that I picked up off e-bay a few months back and should just be a simple reliable motor that I can tow with when I need to (One of the main reasons I got rid of the 235).

 

I wonder if the restrictive 265 exhaust will have any effect with a better flowing manifold on the other side?

what's the rest of the car look like?

 

I don't think the manifold will make too much of a difference. It's just a 307 (I'll henceforth refer to it as a stroked 283). Here's an older picture of the car:


It's a little lower now and is in the middle of some bodywork. The seats are out being upholstered and I should have it on the road in primer soon. It will eventually be dark blue with a white top.

 

good looking wagon. keep up the good work

 

It looks like your running an automatic with this. Do you have any other mounts mid way or just the front and trans? You might find a lot of movement with this set up.

 

I have some mounts at the bellhousing.

 

That looks good Jeff. You should have it on the road in no time.

 

Good move on having the mounts on the bellhousing, I've always had a soft spot for the 43/54 Wagons but have never owned one.

 

the best part of having a V8 in a car like that is flying by the 6 cylinder guys on 101 one the way back from Paso.

 

Very cool! I dig wagons, look foward to seeing around.

 

Thats cool!

 

cool wagon dude! sounds like if you weren't going to tow with it the 6 would have stayed. had a 53' 4dr years ago 235/pg. that was great for towing my buddies home as long as it was local. 25mph was a safe speed for towing.

 

Sweet looking wagon.

 

wondering that myself....

 

A traditionally styled SBC is okay in my book ...

Anything to get that cool old hunk of tin moving on its own again.

 

I guess its o kay,,,,, just kidding that car is real nice it would look good flat towing a salt flat car or early style dragster.

 

Nice job, looks great! Lemme know if you need any engine parts.....

 

great loking wagon, keep up the good work

 

looks great man!

 

nothing boring about it , lookin good ..

 

That's what I wanted to hear...

 

do not feel bad about a small block chevy, they are cheap and reliable, abd besides most 60s gassers and stock and altered classes ran 327 265 etc.

 

some people on here cry boreing when sbc were always the rodder,s choice

 

Very cool wagon and great looking install. And you can't go wrong with simple and reliable.

 

I'm not a fan of SBC swaps anymore but a SBC in an old Chevy is proper, the early exhaust manifolds are traditional. Cool wagon.

 

Aint nothing wrong with a well done chevy small block conversion. Its as traditional as can be. Nice work!

 

Can we see a pic of how you did the bell housing mounts?
I may need to do that myself with a "modern" automatic and front mounts.

 

that would look better in my garage.....

 

You had one in your garage, remember?