454 in a 63??????

[undeadchevy]

I have a !963 long bed, bagged in four corners, it has the origional 283 in it now and i have been thinking about swapping it for a 454. my main concern is will the motor fit with the heater box still in it and what kind of mounts should I use? For some insight on the frame it has been cut and Zed 3inches in the front and boxed about 6incehs past each ther places were I cut and rewelded everything. im not for sure I want to go this route yet but just looking for some info to help me make up my mind. I'm only thinking about doing this becasue i have the oppurtunity to trade some junk for a low mileage 454 and the 283 thats in it now doesnt have any compression on cylinder 2 and I want to gert away from the 283 because no matter what i do performance wise it's still a 283. so any help here would be great.

[60-66]

Couple pictures that may help you decide. I just finished this 63 with a 454. I ran with 68-71 Chevy truck BB mounts. Although you can use what you have but it keeps the engine back far enough you will need to dimple the firewall. The mounts I used bring it forward enough to run taller valve covers. Everything clears well. I don't see any problems running the stock heater box.

[undeadchevy]

unfortunately the guy backed out of the trade for the big block and no i have to figure out if im gonna just stay with a small block.... although now its a matter of what to do with the 283 or go with the a 350. the 283 has no compression on the cylinder 2, it a bent valve. i have a set of double heads but i think the may be too much for the motor. im trying to figure the fastest way to get my truck running again considering the time or year. any insight i cant seem to make my mind up about anything.