Mostly as lurker here as I don't have a project to work on at the moment. So I'm left with planning out a project that got started about 15 years ago then life got in the way. Anyway I have a 1948 chevy pickup, in need of a little work. The popular theme on this board with this type of truck seems to be a full frame swap with either a late model s-10 /15. Using that type of frame, what kind of challenges would I face by using a non-mainstream engine? The engine being a Packard - 327 straight eight. The SBC route seems a little plain and boring - the idea of flathead has my interesting piqued. Mainly my questions would be the engine length and weight & the tranny. I've read some interesting things about the tranny - as alot of shops refusing to accept or even work on them. I've worked on cars most of my life, but the surgery I'm purposing is very radical in my book. Any thoughts are appreciated! Here's my project:
I think there are far more with the stock frame than with an S10 frame. And there is plenty to upgrade the stock stuff. Is the stock frame in good shape? Either way you'll have to fab mounts for a "non-mainstream" engine. With that straight 8 you'll be doing some firewall work as well, it's gonna be longer than the 6 that was there.
My 2 cents would be to forget the straight 8 of any kind and go withe an early Olds, Buick, Caddy, Desoto, Imperial, V8. They at least fit. A straight 8 is too long and would require a lot of fire wall cutting. As far as chassis the best one to use is the one you have in the truck right now. If you want PS and independent look into an 80s 1/2 ton P/U or 2wd blazer that stuff almosts bolts in. A hell of a lot easier than putting a Packard in. And you will have a cool ride when finished. I've done a few.
It's a tight squeeze fitting V-8's into a AD Chevy PU with a stock frame and steering box.A Small block Chevy will fit with some massaging of the steering box location anf choosing the proper left hand exhaust manifold.I would think any wider V-8 might present a real hassle but it's probably been done before. A GMC 302 inline 6 will fit nicely by moving the radiator foward and reworking the hood latch panel .The GMC probably has more HP potential than the Buick 8 and it's a lot lighter in weight.But a 302 GMC is not cheap to rebuild and or modify.A 261 Chevy 6 is more or less a bolt in and a little less expensive to mess with. If you do an S10-frame swap then it easier to fit in V-8 engines.To my thinking the S-10 frame changes the character of the truck,the potential traditional hot rod feel is lost. In the end,it's your truck,do what you like.
Hmm some good advice so far - I wasn't looking forward to removing the frame. The objective is to have this drivable the sooner the better. BTW - since I'm prob steering away from the straight 8 - rumor has it there is one or two for sale on ebay. Flatheads really look neat in an engine bay - guess that will have to wait for another project.
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