55.2-59 question fitting 454 in '59 stock

[Gribbs]

Hey hey.....wondering if anyone has experience with fitting a big block into a 55-59 that is retaining stock steering and suspension components. I have a line on a good deal 454/700r4 combo. I am absolutely retaining the stock column, suspension, steering box, brakes, etc. (maybe do a disc conversion down the road). I believe there could be an issue with the width of the b.b. and it hitting the steering column and/or the big steering box??

Thanks for any ideas and here is a pic of my project as well

[OrrieG]

Take a look a the build folders, can't point to a specific example but know guys have done it. header/exhaust conflict with steering and brake assy and additional length of engine relative to radiator are main issues. you will end up enlarging and recessing the firewall more so the engine sits more into the cab. That affects the cross member between the front spring rear mounts and bellhousing/transmission mounting.

[Gribbs]

Ok cool, some food for thought there, thanks. When you say, "between the front spring rear mounts and bellhousing/transmission mounting." do you mean issue with crossmember only? I have an aftermarket transmission crossmember to use along the frame where it will be needed.

I think for and aft placement of the engine, other than just how much to clearance the firewall, shouldn't be a big issue, since theses truck long 235 inlines most often from the factory?

[b00sted]

Oh they fit well.. Even with a tunnel ram and 2 4v carbs all under the hood. This one I had may have been clipped though.. I cannot remember.

[dsraven]

boosted, I would say, by the steering input shaft, power brake unit on the firewall that the truck in your pic was probably clipped. could be just a power strg box upgrade and same on the brakes though. i would have to say it was lowered some as well.

[b00sted]

I lower all my old toys.. My 49 is a bit down as well.. but would out run that BBC all day every day and get 25mpg.

[PDW HOTRODS]

It will fit with no firewall mods. You will need to go with side engine mounts. I think Camaro headers might even work. We did one years ago and even used the stock 4 speed at first, in stock position.

[la hi]

My 57 came with a 454/200 r. The exhaust manifold rubbed against the steering box adjusting screw.
When I put headman headers on, one of the tubes rubbed against the steering box adjusting screw.
The other problem was the driver side valve cover rubbed against the firewall.
I assume the previous owner did a bad job installing the engine. Otherwise the engine fit ok.

[la hi]

Just an after thought. You will not be happy with the original steering and front suspension. You will spend a lot of money trying to upgrade the front end. Then it will occur to you to do it right.
Do away with the front suspension and go with an aftermarket front suspension that has coil overs, ps, power disc brakes.
PS you can keep the original steering column and steering wheel

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by la hi

Just an after thought. You will not be happy with the original steering and front suspension. You will spend a lot of money trying to upgrade the front end. Then it will occur to you to do it right.[/I]
Do away with the front suspension and go with an aftermarket front suspension that has coil overs, ps, power disc brakes.
PS you can keep the original steering column and steering wheel

This is good advice.

[Black_Sheep]

Maybe a set of shortys or block huggers will work. I took the easy way out by running cast iron manifolds. Nova sub and a tilt column, no firewall mods with a long water pump set up. If I did it again I'd try to use the short water pump instead, it's about 1.5" shorter.