Been around since dirt. Used to race back in the 60's. Had a '55 Chevy "C" gasser, '66 Olds 4-4-2 (bought new wi tri-power, Muncie 4-spd, 3:90 pos). Been buiding bikes (Harleys) for the last 40 yrs and now want to get back into the car "street scene". Have a '54 Chevy 5 window P/U on an old Chevy car frame. So far I have a Mustang IFS, sbc set up and doing body work. Trying to figure out motor. Shaker?, Blower? Mild street? Have a 4-bolt block, Dart heads, roller rockers picked up from friends. Should I go crate motor. Thinking about a reciprocal set up from Jeg's or Summit to go 383 stroker. I guess I'll figure it out when the truck is done and ready to put in. I know how that goes, guys build these nice motors and then let them sit for years until they finish their project or give up and sell it for half what they have in it. We'll see I have a whole winter ahead of me. Later, Slapz
Looking at pile of parts I've accumulated. Have a stock 350 w/small valve fuelie heads, needs going through. Also picked up another 350, 4 bolt main, has been machined. Appears to have been decked, oil return holes have been tapped, the drains on either end have screens epoxied in, not sure of bore yet. This guy used to circle track race. Has a set of iron Dart heads w/angle plugs, new set of 12:1 pistons, new roller rockers in the box. I'm toying with the idea of going with the balaced 383 stroker assemby from Jegs or Summit. First attempt at car build, been into bikes for 40 years. I need some advice and direction. Do I build what I have or go with a crate motor? Would be a shame to not use those parts. I want to run 3-2's for nostalgia reasons (I'm old) and a Muncie 4-spd. Is there a good manual for novice builders? Appreciate any and all help. Thanks, Slapz.
Well thanks for all your help and encouragement. I have aquired a SBC 383 with Dyers blower. Now have to move motor further forward. A motor plate was suggested. The car frame is a 41 Chevy with Mustang IFS previously installed. Is there any kind of reference book I can obtail to tell me what engine degree, pinion angle, how to install using a motor plate? Thanks, Old Guy, Slapz
I dont think there is really any reason to use a mid plate, Just reconfigure the motor mounts You can keep normal mounts in place and make new mount for lower frame mounting position. Gotta get trans, and engine in place and the whole thing mocked up use you cherry picker and take measurements of where everything needs to be. and measure your pinion and trans angle. 1-5 degrees is a safe zone. Right on with the 5 window truck I'm in oswego with an OT 70 el camino
Wasn't thinking of rear plate. I have a sbc in it now that sits pretty far back. The firewall has been cut for the distributor. I'm afraid with the torque of the blower it will twist the frame. I was told the frame was a 41 chev car. Need to beef it up and do a roll cage. A front motor plate was suggested by a friend and it wil be anchored at the trans. The reason for the car frame is it's a square frame vs "c" channel and there's already a mustang IFS in it. Need to find some 1 1/2" DOM tubing. Any suggestions?
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