Big Block Install Help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Laid_Out_50 · 10-04-2009, 12:24 PM

I just got a 401 BB and was wondering what mods do I have to do to make it fit and still steer. What steering box and placement on the frame? It's going in a '50 Chevy

63 & 64 Bowties · 10-05-2009, 07:30 AM

Here's a bump for ya.

50adrod · 10-05-2009, 04:07 PM

I have seen it done it will fit, I also had pictures let me see if i still have them

MrTucker · 10-05-2009, 04:09 PM

I believe FrizzleFry has an AD with a 502 or something in it...

pgf545 · 10-05-2009, 05:43 PM

I am doing one in a 52. I can't really help you much with the stock setup. The one I am doing is a Heidts mustang 2 setup and a *****in Products firewall. I am pretty sure it would work ok with the stock firewall but ours was so trashed that we replaced it. Take a look at my build thread for some pictures. Let me know if you need anything else.

Bernie

OrrieG · 10-05-2009, 06:45 PM

From what I have seen on other builds here if you go with the stock frame big issues are going to be distributor interference (need to notch firewall), header/manifold conflict with stock steering box (box need shifted outboard), header conflicts with upper frame rails (need notched and reinforced) and possibly conflict between fan and radiator. If you are going with a manual transmission clutch linkage or hydralics can get interesting. Other factors will be brake MC and booster location (firewall or underneath). You should do a deep search of the build threads to get more information. then get out the tape measure and start trial fitting the engine to the frame and radiator core support. If you are using aftermarket front end they should be able to tell you what challeges and conflicts there will be using their stuff.

50adrod · 10-05-2009, 08:32 PM

here is one pic of a 502

gab50 · 10-06-2009, 02:47 PM

I have one in my 50. It was done before I got it but it looks like the firewall stayed stock. It has shorty headers, the rad looks to be moved a small bit forward, it required an electric fan on the forward side of the rad as the water pump pulley is quite close to the rad and it looks like the steering was switched to late 50"s steering box. Job wasn't done very nice and this winter I am switching to late model power steering with the box forward.

10-04-2009, 12:24 PM	#1
Laid_Out_50 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bay Area Cali Posts: 270	Big Block Install Help I just got a 401 BB and was wondering what mods do I have to do to make it fit and still steer. What steering box and placement on the frame? It's going in a '50 Chevy Last edited by Laid_Out_50; 10-05-2009 at 08:01 AM.

10-05-2009, 07:30 AM	#2
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: Big Block Install Help Here's a bump for ya. __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

10-05-2009, 04:07 PM	#3
50adrod Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 493	Re: Big Block Install Help I have seen it done it will fit, I also had pictures let me see if i still have them __________________ 1971 Corvette convertible 454@ 525 hp 1936 Chevy Truck street rod 1952 Chevy truck hot rod build http://www.killbillet.com/showthread...2-Chevy-Cut-up 1964 F 100 custom street rod http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/12...mark-viii.html 1950 custom Chevy Truck

10-05-2009, 04:09 PM	#4
MrTucker Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 455	Re: Big Block Install Help I believe FrizzleFry has an AD with a 502 or something in it...

10-05-2009, 05:43 PM	#5
pgf545 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Fe,Texas Posts: 933	Re: Big Block Install Help I am doing one in a 52. I can't really help you much with the stock setup. The one I am doing is a Heidts mustang 2 setup and a ****in Products firewall. I am pretty sure it would work ok with the stock firewall but ours was so trashed that we replaced it. Take a look at my build thread for some pictures. Let me know if you need anything else. Bernie __________________ 52 Chevy Truck (Dad's) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206021 Last edited by pgf545; 10-05-2009 at 05:43 PM.*

10-05-2009, 06:45 PM	#6
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Big Block Install Help From what I have seen on other builds here if you go with the stock frame big issues are going to be distributor interference (need to notch firewall), header/manifold conflict with stock steering box (box need shifted outboard), header conflicts with upper frame rails (need notched and reinforced) and possibly conflict between fan and radiator. If you are going with a manual transmission clutch linkage or hydralics can get interesting. Other factors will be brake MC and booster location (firewall or underneath). You should do a deep search of the build threads to get more information. then get out the tape measure and start trial fitting the engine to the frame and radiator core support. If you are using aftermarket front end they should be able to tell you what challeges and conflicts there will be using their stuff. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

10-05-2009, 08:32 PM	#7
50adrod Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 493	Re: Big Block Install Help here is one pic of a 502 __________________ 1971 Corvette convertible 454@ 525 hp 1936 Chevy Truck street rod 1952 Chevy truck hot rod build http://www.killbillet.com/showthread...2-Chevy-Cut-up 1964 F 100 custom street rod http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/12...mark-viii.html 1950 custom Chevy Truck Last edited by 50adrod; 10-05-2009 at 08:33 PM.

10-06-2009, 02:47 PM	#8
gab50 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 40	Re: Big Block Install Help I have one in my 50. It was done before I got it but it looks like the firewall stayed stock. It has shorty headers, the rad looks to be moved a small bit forward, it required an electric fan on the forward side of the rad as the water pump pulley is quite close to the rad and it looks like the steering was switched to late 50"s steering box. Job wasn't done very nice and this winter I am switching to late model power steering with the box forward.

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