frame brackets for Big block

[Bernie M]

Hi I am new to this Chevy truck thing, always wanted 60"s pickup , now I got one, picked up 1963 Chevy step side last summer, worked on new floor panels for a long time ,got that done. It had a 350 in it that is shot.
I need some one to clear up which frame brackets and motor mounts to use for a 396 Big block , I read so much here I am lost. I do not want to cut up the firewall to make it fit. And which frame holes did you use ?
Just wanted to be sure, because I do not want to waste alot of cash on parts that do not work.
Any help would be great ! Thanks to all that write. Bernie

[Captainfab]

Part of the fitment with a big block will depend on what valve covers you are using. The '68-'71 big block brackets and mounts seem to work well with most valve covers. IIRC the top bolts into the forward holes and the bottom in the rear hole in the crossmember.

Personally I prefer the '73+ engine mounts. The frame brackets from a C20 or C30 fit the early frames better than the C10 versions. The bottom will bolt to both holes in the crossmember and the top holes will need to be drilled. I can not verify fitment of larger than stock valve covers with these mounts.

[Eazyrider111]

I was wondering the same thing. I have a 396 as well that I would like to put in my 63 fleet. What about upgraded HD coils in the front due to the weight of the motor? Not trying to thread drop just is the same boat.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I tried the 68-71 engine mounts and they didn't work for me. I can't remember why but I sent them back plus they can reach up to and even over $300. I went with the tubular mounts from http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks60_72/t60_121.html They are at the bottom of the page and they work just fine. I had to use them so I could fit the headers. All I did was use the rear engine mounts holes and I am one of the guys that cut the firewall to get it back there. I just like the way it looked sitting back farther. These mounts can be used in the forward holes also. some of the pictures I put in this post are in thes thread. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

[60-66]

Heres the stock 68-71 mounts installed. You do need to trim the frame back a little but the taller valve covers clear better without firewall modifications.

[argonaut]

I did this with 71 big block mounts and brackets as well. I had to trim the upper frame flanges a bit to fit stock manifolds. It shifts the weight bias more to the front. I would recommend a higher rate spring up front. All 63 to 87 2wd front springs will fit and moog makes all of them and you can download a pdf with all the spring part numbers, rates and lengths.

[Eazyrider111]

Great info guys thanks really didn't want to cut the fire wall to fit my 396 with tall covers.