Alright, after going through some things I think we're gonna get rid of the old cast iron powerglide that's in the 56 now, and swap in a 63/64 aluminum powerglide since I have a buddy that's got a small collection of them. Can anyone tell me what I'm going to run into as far as mounting the transmission in a 56 chevy car? It's already got a later engine in it (62' 283 we think), and it's using front mounts. I saw speedway motors sell a transmission crossmember kit for these cars, could I just order one from them and just stick in it there and have it work? I doubt that will work since it just sounds way too easy.
It's not a good idea to use '55-'57 front engine mounts and a tailstock transmission mount, especially with an aluminum transmisison. I'm not saying that it hasn't been done, but I'd stay away from it if it were my car. You could fabricate side mount brackets that would bolt under the transmisison bolts, and use both them and a crossmember mount, or you could buy one of the '55-'57 side engine mount kits that are available. If I were going to go through all that, though, I'd at least upgrade to a TH350.
I know about the starters, the engine in the car has got the bolt holes for a different starter than the one that was in the car now, the one I pulled off bolted straight into the cast iron PG. I'll be looking into th350's also. I'm gonna ultimately have to do what ends up being cheaper though since I'm on a real tight budget getting this thing road worthy.... I think I remember seeing that the engine had the bolt holes for the side mounts, guess I'll have to take another look monday and see about a side mount kit as well....
The Jalopy Journal
