VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jds319 · 01-19-2007, 10:59 PM

Here's my conundrum...

My 1956 chevy was clipped in 1997, adding a 1979 Trans Am / Z28 front end. we then test fit everything with the motor and tranny we intended to install: a 454 bbc and a 4 speed muncie. Here's the catch: we didn't test fit it with exhaust manifolds / headers on the motor. Now, I'm seeing people modifying their motor mounts and firewalls to get such a powertrain to fit.

So here's my question: will I be able to find headers / exhaust manifolds that fit my motor and front end without having to modify my motor mounts and firewall?

Help! This problem could set the project back even longer!

pgf545 · 01-19-2007, 11:12 PM

I am guessing that you shouldn't have any problems. You might try a set of headers from a 70ish camaro. I don't think the subframe changed very much from 70-81. You might have to move the motor a little to clear the firewall but I don't think that will be that big of a deal. Where did the motor fall in referance to the orginal mounting holes on the camaro clip?

Bernie

jds319 · 01-20-2007, 12:02 AM

Here are a couple pictures of the motor mount holes we had to drill. The mounts for the big block sit further up the subframe than the original SBC mounts. We had to cut an access hole on the driver's side similar to the one alread there on the passenger's side in order to tighten down the mounts...

jds319 · 01-20-2007, 01:21 PM

PGF,

You think something like this:

http://www.centuryperformance.com/de...uct_ID=SDH-BB2

Pricey, but if it means i don't have to cut my firewall...

pgf545 · 01-20-2007, 07:01 PM

Those look ok, You might have to play with the motor placement still but if you have come this far you shouldn't have any problems with that

. You might also look into big block mounts to see what the differance is. I can't remember right now but I was thinking that chevy added the extra 2" to the front of the motor but from the mount location to the bellhousing flange was the same. If I can find my book I will look.

Bernie

jds319 · 01-20-2007, 08:37 PM

I'm pretty sure the extra length is on the front side of the motor as well...

PDW HOTRODS · 01-24-2007, 01:45 AM

Camaro had BBC's in 70-72 or so. Headers for a 72 should work fine.
There is also another option for headers. You could get fenderwell
exit headers for 55-57 Chevy car. They should go on the outside
of the frame. I have seen them on a 1959 half ton with a Nova
sub-frame, and they were cool.

01-19-2007, 10:59 PM	#1
jds319 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 123	VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup Here's my conundrum... My 1956 chevy was clipped in 1997, adding a 1979 Trans Am / Z28 front end. we then test fit everything with the motor and tranny we intended to install: a 454 bbc and a 4 speed muncie. Here's the catch: we didn't test fit it with exhaust manifolds / headers on the motor. Now, I'm seeing people modifying their motor mounts and firewalls to get such a powertrain to fit. So here's my question: will I be able to find headers / exhaust manifolds that fit my motor and front end without having to modify my motor mounts and firewall? Help! This problem could set the project back even longer! __________________ 1956 Chevrolet 1500 Task Force 2002 Texas Aggie Project Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212633

01-19-2007, 11:12 PM	#2
pgf545 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Fe,Texas Posts: 933	Re: VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup I am guessing that you shouldn't have any problems. You might try a set of headers from a 70ish camaro. I don't think the subframe changed very much from 70-81. You might have to move the motor a little to clear the firewall but I don't think that will be that big of a deal. Where did the motor fall in referance to the orginal mounting holes on the camaro clip? Bernie __________________ 52 Chevy Truck (Dad's) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206021

01-20-2007, 12:02 AM	#3
jds319 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 123	Re: VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup Here are a couple pictures of the motor mount holes we had to drill. The mounts for the big block sit further up the subframe than the original SBC mounts. We had to cut an access hole on the driver's side similar to the one alread there on the passenger's side in order to tighten down the mounts... __________________ 1956 Chevrolet 1500 Task Force 2002 Texas Aggie Project Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212633 Last edited by jds319; 01-20-2007 at 12:03 AM.

01-20-2007, 01:21 PM	#4
jds319 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 123	Re: VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup PGF, You think something like this: http://www.centuryperformance.com/de...uct_ID=SDH-BB2 Pricey, but if it means i don't have to cut my firewall... __________________ 1956 Chevrolet 1500 Task Force 2002 Texas Aggie Project Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212633

01-20-2007, 07:01 PM	#5
pgf545 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Fe,Texas Posts: 933	Re: VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup Those look ok, You might have to play with the motor placement still but if you have come this far you shouldn't have any problems with that . You might also look into big block mounts to see what the differance is. I can't remember right now but I was thinking that chevy added the extra 2" to the front of the motor but from the mount location to the bellhousing flange was the same. If I can find my book I will look. Bernie __________________ 52 Chevy Truck (Dad's) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206021

01-20-2007, 08:37 PM	#6
jds319 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 123	Re: VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup I'm pretty sure the extra length is on the front side of the motor as well... __________________ 1956 Chevrolet 1500 Task Force 2002 Texas Aggie Project Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212633

01-24-2007, 01:45 AM	#7
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	Re: VERY important question about a BBC in a '56 pickup Camaro had BBC's in 70-72 or so. Headers for a 72 should work fine. There is also another option for headers. You could get fenderwell exit headers for 55-57 Chevy car. They should go on the outside of the frame. I have seen them on a 1959 half ton with a Nova sub-frame, and they were cool.

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