SBC swap for 49 Fleetline...who's done it?

Has anyone done a 216 swap for a 350 or 400 SBC? Any tips, tricks, or advice? What modifications am I looking at here? I've done a bunch of searches but I'm coming up empty handed.

 

Super easy fit. I used sanderson headers to clear the steering, but thats it. Any aftermarket mount fits. you may have to notch the two ribs running vertically on the firewall, but nothing crazy, I wouldnt cut them off like I have see before...theres really no need.

 

thanks reverb. any pics of your project? did you have modify anything else, like the rear end, frame, etc? I'm looking at a 350 or a 400 with a 350 turbo trans...good combo? thanks!

 

Get a Chassis Engineering catalog. They have everything you need and it's all bolt in..............

 

hey you should check out 50chevy.com theres info on v8 conv.,etc. plus where to get parts. i think the e-brake mount has to be moved. i have been lookin into this conv. as well for my 51'. i'm not sure but you may have to swap rearends due to the tourqe tube drive shaft? does anyone else know if a v8/auto will bolt directly in without changeing the rearend?

 

So many people have done this swap you can buy conversion mounts from at least three different suppliers. And trans mounts for multiple trans choices, too.

No, you can't keep the stock rearend (and why would you try? a V8 would break it in chunks without even trying hard), but again, there are multiple easy choices to swap it out and several folks make kits and springs for them.

The only tight spot is the left exhaust; a cheap and easy option on those is mid-1990s LT1 manifolds from a Caprice, Roadmaster or Olds 98, which give loads of clearance.

Tons of info both here if you search and over to www.chevytalk.org in the 49-54 section.

 

so what's the deal with the mustang II front end then? Man that's expensive!!! I didn't pay that much for the damn car!!!

So a S-10 4x4 rear end will work? I'm getting a lot of info and it's not all making much sense right now...

 

I used a rear diff from a 57 chevy, 700r4 trans. I had the trans too close to the tunnel, and the car was hotter than a damn pizza oven.

 

I've done it to three different cars. I would suggest clipping the car with a Nova sub frame or camaro. but if not. It fits right in. I cut a little of the fire wall braces away for clearance but not neccesary. I like nova's for size and fit. You can mount it by making the front mounts on the original crossmember or you can make them come off the side of the frame. Watch for steering and shift linkage as well.It is a enclosed drive shaft so you will have to change the rearend as well.Good luck

 

Like I said, umpteen thousand posts at Chevytalk.org, one thread has pictures showing how a second gen Camaro rearend is a virtual bolt-in. Jaguar XJ sedan front suspension is a lot cheaper than the kits, if you absoloutely must change it.