installing 454 into a '56 chevy bel air

Can anyone advise to any known problems or difficulties involved with dropping a 454 into a '56 chevy. Springs? Motor mounts? Clearances? etc.etc.
thanks

 

the side motor mounts that let you set the engine forward about 3/4" will let you keep the firewall stock, as long as you run stock size valve covers. You'll probably want to cut out the frame horns where the bellhousing mounts used to be, and add a rear tranny crossmember. Not sure what headers are available nowadays, I think Sanderson makes some that will not hang down too far and let you lower the car some. Steering to header clearance is very tight, so you need headers that are made specifically for this swap. Stock springs may be ok, as long as you don't mind the front sitting down a bit--and you can cut a coil if you need it even lower. Put the radiator in the 6 cyl position (in front of the rad support) for clearance.

if you have more questions, ask away...

 

Thanks,
I take it that's your '56 in your avtar. It's my Dad's car. He asked me post the question for him. It's either the 454 or a 358 race motor out of our last oval track car. He was leaning towards the 454 so he doesn't have make the 358 streetable. We're pretty sure the cage and paint are staying. This is what it's going into. http://www.melroset-tops.com/more%20junk%20for%20sale%20008.jpg

 

Mine's a 55, look close and learn to spot them from far away

Should be fun....

 

Cool 56, maybe you can talk him into getting rid of those wheels!

 

Yes, wheels are going. Anyone have any they want to sell?

 

I'm thinging of putting power steering from Classic Chevy and power disc brakes I need your advice on headers clearance i found the set forward motor mounts at ChevyChey.com you obviuosly have headers are they 1 3/4 or 1 7/8 and 3" collectors? Whose did you use? How do they fit? Thanks Dave

 

I used headers that you can no longer buy, they were sold by Mike McGaughy, but the company he got them from quit making them. Nice headers, 1-7/8" with 3" collectors, can't see them from the side of the car because they tuck up in between the frame rails.

I don't know what to tell you about finding some nowadays, but I think Sanderson might have some, a freind who was working on a big block 56 a few years ago mentioned he got some there (I think, not 100% sure)