can a 57 chevy pickup frame support a v8

i have a stovebolt 235 wihch i will be putting in the truck as of right now. the frame is original from 1957 with no mods and no suspension mods. solid front end. with out doing any tweaking to the frame (except body mounts and relocation) can the frame handle the weight, torque, and flexing the v8 motor creates or will it crack the frame or bend it? figuring the stovebolt motor is completely cast iron and the frame had no problem with it being there im thinking a v8 would not create havoc to the chassis. on the other hand the stove bolt did not push out much torque and movement (considering the pistons went verticle instead of side to side).

 

you could get that truck with a 283

 

yes, they came factory with a V8!

 

Chevy put V8s in pickups starting in 55, so yeah, it can handle it. More evidence...I've had a big block in one of my trucks since 1979, haven't had any problems with the frame at all.

 

proof.....

 

Wouldn't a 235 weigh as much as a SBC?

 

If I'm not mistaken, I think the 235 is heavier...

EDIT: I just looked it up: http://www.team.net/sol/tech/engine.html... and I was right.

 

the weight ratio would be heavier with the stovebolt then the v8. i have been pondering for some time now whether to stick with the straight six and give it more kick or go v8 like most rodders today. but then again who wouldnt want to see a hopped up stovebolt running like an 8?

 

yes

 

333 Half Evil had a 55 with a wild small block that ran low 11's as well as saw lot's of street abuse. Do not believe he ever had one issue with the truck that way, nor when he had lost his mind and turned it into a 4x4!!! Those things are quite tough.

 

hahahaha funny!

 

or get a later model six like the Chevy 292 and hop that up. Or an old GMC 302

 

Drove the crap out of mine with a V-8. Thousands of miles.
Later,
Dick

 

I used to have a '55 with a BBC. Engine never fell out.

 

Of course!

(Okay, I've GOTTA ask - no offense meant - are you like 17 or something?)

My '55.2


Warmed over 283. Runs great.

 

nope its impossible.

 

Just what I was thinking.

A frame in this economy will never find enough work to support a v8, don't let them marry because the financial strain will be too much to bear.

 

Pissed my pants, lmao! Can hardly type!

 

i had a 500 cad motor in my 56 gmc

 

Your best bet is an S-10 frame swap. Too risky putting a V8 in that old thing.

 

X2! Awesome Double Nickel Dan!!!! Sweet!!!!

 

Oh thanks. It's all that color of green now and I've re-sprayed the engine compartment since those pic's were taken. Now I'm working on the interior. Started to just change out the door rubber. "One thing led to another" and "while I was in there"

 

why would you assume im 17? are you like 60 or something? no offense.

 

thanks for the replies, guys. i think i might stick with the 235 for now only because seeing one is rare these days up where i live.

a lot of the times i go to antique and car shows and i get bored looking at the motor set ups because the majority have SB and BB stuffed under the hoods, bums me out a little. the only times i see a different motor is the original straight blocks still ticking in an old car. id rather talk to an older guy about his 6 instead of someone who runs a v8 on steriods.

 

Oh crap now I gotta make sure the V-8 in my 54 dont crack, rip, twist or flex the frame.

 

Not only was the 265 small block Chevy available in mid-55 (like the yellow 55 in my avatar) but GMCs got Pontiac-based V8s instead of the Chevy through 59, and those engines are massive in comparison. Settin my 55 up with an early Pontiac 389 this year.

 

This is one of those where you want to ask "is this a real question?" A, It's a pickup truck built to carry 1000 lbs of crap in the back, not a freaking Crosley pickup or some other tiny thing. You could put engines at both ends of it without hurting it. B, as has been noted several times, they came factory with V8s in them.

You don't see the 235 because they need more attention, more frequent oil changes, and when you do need parts some of them you're talking overnight at best, they aren't going to be on the shelf in your local Autozone or Napa.

 

Sheeesh! Don't give him any ideas like that, he may think yer serious!



Later, Kinky6

 

just a few things to consider. one, i was just being curious in my first post about the frame and chassis supporting an 8. second i already knew they came with an 8 option, but was it too much. third, talking to others who share the same motor have already informed me that parts cant be bought off auto shelves and requires it to be shipped in less then 7 business days. and 4th S10s are over used when swapping frames.

 

WTF....don't believe a word anybody says except me. Its your ride , do what ya want to do & enjoy every minute of it .
"AND THE BOWTIE ROLLS ON"