Big Block in a '50 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

IvelDesigns · 02-21-2009, 09:20 PM

So i came across a pretty good deal on a built 402BBC and am looking for thoughts on how well it would fit in a '50 truck. I already assume some big firewall mods will be needed, but how about header and steering clearance?

i tried searching the forums for it, but the search doesn't like 3 letter words in the search. Any links you have of build threads with a BBC would help.

pgf545 · 02-21-2009, 09:47 PM

I am doing a big block in a 52. I think it probably would of fit ok with the stock firewall but ours was so mangled that we went with a *****in Products one. We also did a Heidts mustang 2 setup so I don't know about the stock suspension setup. I am still trying to get the cab done so that I can finish the mockup on the steering and then order the joints that I am going to need. We went with block hugger headers and they appear to fit fine. Take a look at my build thread and if you need anything let me know and I will see if I can help you.

Bernie

IvelDesigns · 02-21-2009, 10:20 PM

ahh ok. I was lookin (not really reading it) at your thread earlier and saw it you had a BBC in it, then saw some pics of a SBC. didn't realize that wasn't the same vehicle. I'm going with the same mustang II setup, but with air bags.

the *****in Products firewall is an idea, but the only reason i'm considering this BBC is that it would be a lot cheaper than building up my SBC from scratch.

that and it would just be *****in' to have a BBC hiding under the hood.

It would require boxing most if not all of the frame though.

b00sted · 02-21-2009, 10:24 PM

They fit fine.. This was in my 50... Stock fender whells with a tube chassis.... Should still fit the same though.

IvelDesigns · 02-21-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b00sted

They fit fine.. This was in my 50... Stock fender whells with a tube chassis.... Should still fit the same though.

ok, so that answers the sheetmetal question. but now i have a question for you. What is your battery doing mounted up front like that? I saw that and was like WTF??

b00sted · 02-22-2009, 06:23 PM

Why Not? low and out of the way... Electric fans.

BBEEP · 03-15-2009, 08:38 PM

I wanted to run the stock radiator with the big block, so it was set back a little for clearance. To make up for clearance on the firewall, I used 67 Chevelle Big block valve covers. They are slanted in the back for clearance. Everybody asks if I have a smallblock and are surprised when I show them how well the 396 fits! Excuse the dirt. This truck has been run over 70000 miles as a delivery truck. Gotta be proud of the bugs and rockchips!

IvelDesigns · 03-15-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBEEP

I wanted to run the stock radiator with the big block, so it was set back a little for clearance. To make up for clearance on the firewall, I used 67 Chevelle Big block valve covers. They are slanted in the back for clearance. Everybody asks if I have a smallblock and are surprised when I show them how well the 396 fits! Excuse the dirt. This truck has been run over 70000 miles as a delivery truck. Gotta be proud of the bugs and rockchips!

well hell yeah. these things aren't meant to sit in a garage or trailer and rot are they?

glad to see you put some miles on your ride.

**Dieselwrencher** · 03-17-2009, 08:26 PM

Very nice guys!

02-21-2009, 09:20 PM	#1
IvelDesigns Commander Taco Bello Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 2,232	Big Block in a '50 So i came across a pretty good deal on a built 402BBC and am looking for thoughts on how well it would fit in a '50 truck. I already assume some big firewall mods will be needed, but how about header and steering clearance? i tried searching the forums for it, but the search doesn't like 3 letter words in the search. Any links you have of build threads with a BBC would help. __________________ Bagged '50 3600 - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2009... Bagged '69 C10 Longbed - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2007...

02-21-2009, 09:47 PM	#2
pgf545 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Fe,Texas Posts: 933	Re: Big Block in a '50 I am doing a big block in a 52. I think it probably would of fit ok with the stock firewall but ours was so mangled that we went with a *****in Products one. We also did a Heidts mustang 2 setup so I don't know about the stock suspension setup. I am still trying to get the cab done so that I can finish the mockup on the steering and then order the joints that I am going to need. We went with block hugger headers and they appear to fit fine. Take a look at my build thread and if you need anything let me know and I will see if I can help you. Bernie __________________ 52 Chevy Truck (Dad's) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206021

02-21-2009, 10:20 PM	#3
IvelDesigns Commander Taco Bello Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 2,232	Re: Big Block in a '50 ahh ok. I was lookin (not really reading it) at your thread earlier and saw it you had a BBC in it, then saw some pics of a SBC. didn't realize that wasn't the same vehicle. I'm going with the same mustang II setup, but with air bags. the ***in Products firewall is an idea, but the only reason i'm considering this BBC is that it would be a lot cheaper than building up my SBC from scratch. that and it would just be **in' to have a BBC hiding under the hood. It would require boxing most if not all of the frame though. __________________ Bagged '50 3600 - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2009... Bagged '69 C10 Longbed - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2007... Last edited by IvelDesigns; 02-21-2009 at 10:22 PM.*

02-21-2009, 10:24 PM	#4
b00sted Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Midland GA Posts: 332	Re: Big Block in a '50 They fit fine.. This was in my 50... Stock fender whells with a tube chassis.... Should still fit the same though. __________________ 1949 Chevy 408 CID stroker 6.0l with a few add ons, 4l80E, 4 Wheel Disk Brakes and a set of GT35 going on soon. Last edited by b00sted; 02-21-2009 at 10:26 PM.

02-22-2009, 06:23 PM	#6
b00sted Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Midland GA Posts: 332	Re: Big Block in a '50 Why Not? low and out of the way... Electric fans. __________________ 1949 Chevy 408 CID stroker 6.0l with a few add ons, 4l80E, 4 Wheel Disk Brakes and a set of GT35 going on soon.

03-15-2009, 08:38 PM	#7
BBEEP Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: EUGENE, OREGON Posts: 504	Re: Big Block in a '50 I wanted to run the stock radiator with the big block, so it was set back a little for clearance. To make up for clearance on the firewall, I used 67 Chevelle Big block valve covers. They are slanted in the back for clearance. Everybody asks if I have a smallblock and are surprised when I show them how well the 396 fits! Excuse the dirt. This truck has been run over 70000 miles as a delivery truck. Gotta be proud of the bugs and rockchips! Attached Images

03-17-2009, 08:26 PM	#9
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Big Block in a '50 Very nice guys! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

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