i have just mocked up my v-8 into my '49 chev, and have NO clearance problems on the driver side body support. the vertical support from the body mount up to the top of the cowl. i have seen, it seems like 100's of posts and pictures where people have - chopped, ground, flame cut, etc.-- this area to get clearance!!! am I missing something??? here are some pics to show you what i mean!! maybe i don't have the block back far enough??? but i have a full inch of clearance between the rad. and the fan and i will be making a ****** mount so i think i am in the clear here!! anyone, have a reason as to why I have clearance, but not others????
When the engine twists with torque, will it hit those upright things? Maybe that's why others have done the cutting. Experience!!
It looks like you have no exhaust manifolds on yet...do they clear those supports? I've done a few of these and have always had to at least trim those supports back a little. Just my 2 cents...
Chevy's had them things for whatever reason, but the Old's and I think Buicks didn't. Talk to DIRTYT, he's got a 50 with a V8. The 49-52's are the worst to swap V8's into, because of the body AND the suspension. Maybe you shoulda just went with a 2.8. Just kidding. Good Luck, even though it's been done a million times, it's always a headache when YOU try to do it... at least in my case. Jay
I also have a 49 with a small block in now. I used the walton moter mounts so I had to cut those ribs out if ever needing to take off a valvecover or head. If running the stock suspension and steering with that engine that far farward, finding exhaust manifolds will be a *****.
NOT being sarcastic, but----- WHY -----do the supports have to go??? i am planning on a set of "block hugger" headers. thats why i don't have an exhaust hooked up yet. waiting for them to show up in the mail. ---"It looks like enough clearance"--- with a set of headers?!?!? thats why i am asking!!!
i have AT LEAST an inch of clearance from the block to the rib, and the V/C is 1/2 inch forward of the rib! I don't think the motor will move enough to cause a problem, ??? BUT that is why i am asking?!?!?
A couple of replies to this were about --exhaust manifold problems-- is that wher the clearance problem comes from??? i see where the stock steering set up comes into play on clearance, but that doesn't have , at least I don't think, anything to do with those ribs, BUT I am planning on using BLOCK hugger headers, and it seems that there is enough clearance with those. I am waiying for them to show up. Will I have a problem with them??? thanks, Ken
what block huggers did you order? the center dump will hit suspension on the driver's side. If you ordered Ch***is Engineering headers for 49 to 54's the left exits at the back and the right exits in the middle. The two of these I have done I used a ram's horn on the right and a 305 rear dump on the left.
well to be honest, i ordered a set of "el cheapo's" $29.00 (freight included)off of --e-gay-. so if they don't work I aint out much, but i have 3 sets of those rear dump 305 cast iron babies. AND a couple of 307's too, I didn't even think to look at those since i was going the header route!!!
Since everyone seems to tell me about "exhaust" clearance problems, I double checked for the block huggers, and I think I have enough room, but just in case, I have these fenderwell headers. I didn't want to use these on THIS project, but if I have to I will! Anyone have any concerns on these??? problems or issues??? there is an inch of clearance between the fender and the collector, and I realize I will have to cut out the inner fender well, but I ***ume they will work, although performance wise, I think they are a little long for just a "mildly" built 350???
block huggers and stock steering will not work.... turn your steering wheel a few times and watch how far that pitman arm swings. i have my motor far forward too. but i got happy with the cut off wheel and cut my ribs long before a sbc even came into the picture. i just kinda notched mine any way... but dont go setting any thing into stone before u mock up your headers with a down pipe on the driver side... u will be suprised how far that pitman arm swings.... hence why u will have to move the motor back a bit.
I took a picture of my sons 49 v8 install using walton mounts! I placed a line on the flat part of the firewall for a reference and you can see where the string crosses the top of the HEI dizzy! With the engine installed in this position the HEI dizzy can be removed as one part. The firewall ribs were trimmed to get access to removing heads , valve covers, and the last exhaust bolt! With where you have your engine resting you may not have to cut the ribs at all ! Clearing the steering goodies is more important than saving the orignal look of the ribs. I will be making a post about the exhaust header later!
Look at the pics in rhinos post. You do not need to cut the ribs off, just notch them aroung the valve cover gasket. If I`m not mistaken on the p***enger side all is ok. On the driver side though, you cannot get to the last header bolt, and the valve cover is really close, and would probably hit under tourqe. Its just easier to notch and not have to worry about it in the future.
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