265 in a 53 chevy

Who here has tried to put a 265 in a 53 chevy? The motor is from a 55 belair. Both cars are powerglide cars. What is the chance that the 265 motor mounts will work in the 53? Are there any changes that need to happen to the trans. crossmember? Lets put it this way...Any advice and knowledge that you may or may not have will be very appreciated.
Clint

 

having never done it.. I can only guess. never had a stock 53, but I've had several 49 - 52's... no powerglides... though I did have a 265 and powerglide trans with no car to put it in. so here's how I got it figured..

many variables here... if you are going with the 55 powerglide, you will need to change the rear end and find a driveshaft. if you are using the 53 powerglide you will need to use the cast piece from between the 55 block and the tranny... prolly need the 55 flexplate and maybe the torque converter.

55 265 's have no provision for side mounts, so you are looking at front mounts only... stockers won't work. not even close. I would use one of those old hurst style mounts that use the front holes on the block and go side to side across the frame with a rubber biscuit type mount.. I don't know if anyone still sells them.

you could prolly get away without cutting the crossmember, though you may need to fabricate something if the 55 trans mounts are in a different spot from the 53. I believe the trans does not bolt directly to the crossmember, but rather to a plate that bolts to the crossmemeber.

shifter should work without modification

you lose the parking brake with a V8 swap.

you need to trim the braces on the firewall to get the V8 close to the firewall.

 

I thought that all motors that came in the 53s used front mount? That is why I was wondering if the 265 mounts would work..or is the problem the motor hitting the firewall.
Thanks
Clint

 

sorry... Forgot to mention that the trans. will be the 53 powerglide if at all possible. 55 pg is slippin bad

 

yeah the 53 should have the timing cover for the front mount, but the 6 is longer then the v-8, in a 55-6-7, there are two sets of holes in the front crossmember, one set for the 6 and another for the v-8, I think that the Hurst style mount is the way to go in the front., I think the engine might also have to be offset a little to the right for steering box clearance, too.

Frank

 

how hard is it to find one of the hurst style mounts. Thanks for the info.
Clint

 

53 and 54 have side mounts and a tail shaft mount, where as the earlier ones have the timing cover mount and bellhousing mounts.

you will have to trim the support ribs along the firewall for any sbc to fit. steering box isn't in the way, its the exhaust. use the right manifold and it clears, go to 50chevy.com or google search the hamb for this topic, as it has been done alot. you don't want to use the factory glide behind a v8, it is not the same as the v8 version, and it won't live long. use a th350, a driveshaft for a 70s chevelle/cutlass and a nova/camaro/55-57 rear and get some new springs and you're in business.

the small block is lighter than the stovebolt, so your front end will raise up an inch or two.

 

Also look at the possibility of using the car mounts or look at V8 mounts for the 55-59 Chevy pickups. I have a set in the shop at home that bolt in.

 

Since the Corvette was built on a slightly shortened 49-54 chassis from 1953-1963 you shouldn't have trouble finding parts.