Horse Power for 54 chevy 210

What kind of horse power can a 54 210 frame withstand. Also what can I do to make it hold it together with a 383 400hp with out buying a morrison ch***is for 7 to $14,000. I am on a tight budget and want to smoke the tires as much as possible with out twisting the car Sideways. I have read about boxing the frame, but they say this frame is a top hat frame with 10 gauge metal on top and you will get stress cracks welding on it. I figure you guys are the one to ask not some idiot trying to sell me something I really don't need. Thanks alot for the help!!! I'll be buggn you all for more answers later LOL!!! This is my first big project I have ever had, a good friend of mine gave me this car and I really want to get it on the road with some big tire tracks left behind...... Not car parts LOL!!! Oh yea no motor yet, The 383 is a goal if the frame will hold it.. Thanks again for any help you can throw my way!!! Jim ( It needs some work but Its my Baby) I need p***anger side inner fender also if you have one.

 

That frame will take all you can throw at it. Handling is another issue. I have a stout high revving 327 in my '54 and it'll take any abuse I throw at it. Put a good rear in it and make sure the driveline will take the bite. Your good to go as is unless you want to go crazy. You don't even have to change the suspension to go straight. The picture is from when I built the car 2 years ago, stock everything but the drivetrain. Remember 400 horse engine doesn't equal 400 horse at the rear wheels. To get 400 at the rear wheels will take more than the typical 383.

Tim

 

Thanks Tim !!

 

Ive got almost 400 hp to the crank in my stock frame railed 54 chevy, mustang two and traig 4 link'd rear. No problems so far, and I drive the wheels of it.

 

A good buddy of mine has a 52 coupe with a 572 crate motor. Camaro clip. Dyno'd 640hp at the rear wheels. He drives it like a madman with no problems. Todd

 

I feel alot better now, I was told I needed a new frame or I would have problems with it. Thanks alot!!!
Jim

 

The frame is a box, the bottom is a thick stock and the top/sides is stamped and welded to it. I would plan on some Posies springs or a Walton spring kit for a motor that big, I'm sure it will wheel hop like crazy if you run the stock springs out back, but other than that you should be fine.

 

Not the greatest front end in the world but OK if rebuilt. They used it in Vettes up to 62. Love them, it was my first car.

 

I ran a 385 HP 406 SBC/4 speed in my 50 delivery...same frame as a 54. I beat on it and never had any problems with flexing. As long as the frame hasn't gotten thin with rust, you should be ok with about any SBC you can screw together.

 

Chevorlet used this frame many years from 54 back to about 39, maybe older. Just look around at all the old high powered chevs of the past. I have had my 54 for many years with a 350.turbo 350 and a 8" ford rear end, no problems. I have read alot on these frames and they were made to flix for a better ride. I am just starting to redo mine. With a bolt in mustang II front and truck arms rear suspension. You will not have any problem if you are careful and do not weld on the frame too much. Good luck on your project.

 

looks like your frame is narrowed out back. yes???

 

In 1970, I put a 383 Mopar in a '54 BelAir. the car was previously connverted to a open driveline using a '55 Chevy axle. I proceeded to thrash that car all summer with no ill effects. And the car had a built 261 in it before I got it, it was run hard and put up wet at that time too.

Also, for what it's worth, I had a New Process 4 speed transmission from a '64 Plymouth in it also. The only thing I ever broke was the clutch linkage as the geometry was not quite right. I had a TorqueFlite given to me, but sold the drive train before it was installed as an obscene amount (almost double what I paid for it) was offered. And with my financial situation at the time, well you do what you have to do.

 

I welded my frame together at all the places where the different parts join. including the trans crossmember. no particular reason... just did it because I could and I already had the body off.

I don't think my awsome 305 will tweak it, but better safe than sorry.

 

yea its narrowed, it has a 9" Ford in it. Up front it has a mustang II . It still has leafsprings in back though. Its all coming apart this winter and hopefully be back together running next Summer. You guys are helping out a bunch. I am clueless on alot of things with this. Its my 1st old hotrod.