I need help, bought my 54, was supposed to get the original engine and trans from another guy, but couldn't...will a v-8 fit in a rear steer car without a subframe swap...what are my options with the enclosed driveline, do I need to swap the rear-end to use a different trans...or if anyone has a 6 and trans for this for sale??? thanks
yes, few places make motor mounts. walton fabrication is one place. Sanderson makes headers that will work with the stock steering. You can also use Rams horn style stock exhuast manifolds. Pretty sure the enclosed drivetrain rear end is pretty weak, not recommended with a v8. I would go with a open drivetrain. Few tech posts on here w/pics if you do a search. [font=Courier New, Courier, mono]These are some rear end swaps that will work.[/font] [font=Courier New, Courier, mono] 55-57 Chevy Cars. [/font] [font=Courier New, Courier, mono]68-72 Nova and some malibu's [/font] [font=Courier New, Courier, mono]70-81 camaro[/font] [font=Courier New, Courier, mono]For 49-54 cars,ideally you will need a rear-end that is 60" wide. If you run a rear-end that is 58.5 inches wide you will be able to run a 8" wide rim (3 3/4" backspacing)in the rear.[/font] Plenty of inlines 6's out there as well.
There are a ton of companies that make parts/brackets for this swap. You will need: 1. Engine (small block or big block or ???) 2. Headers or the above mentioned exhaust manifolds. 3. Motor mounts 4. Transmission (automatic or manual, but an automatic would probably be an easier swap) 5. Transmission cross member (you can modify the stock one if you want). 6. Drive shaft 7. Rear end (see the earlier reply for donor cars) 8. Wiring harness for 12v. This will at least get you started. You can run a V8 with the stock front end, or with an R&P setup, your choice.
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