another bbc thread

[motolover]

I have a 1966 gmc c10. i swapped out the front crossmember for an 87, i used the 87 motor mounts and towers. this past weekend i got the 454 and th400 put in. the motor fits in the stock mounting location with clearance at the firewall to the valve covers and distributor. I have a few questions for anyone else who has done the swap... is it possible to use the stock automatic trans crossmember? also i would like to put headers on but i dont really want to notch the frame. does anyone know of any headers that will clear the frame and column shift linkage without and cutting of the frame?

[SCOTI]

The trans x-member will interchange between the year models so it's a matter of whether the frame has the holes in the correct location. If not, new ones can be drilled. The 87 x-member will be compromised because it would of had a CAT convertor so only 1-'hump' for exhaust clearance. Earlier Square-body trucks had a more pronounced dual hump x-member for easier dual exhaust routing.

As far as headers, GM notched the rails slightly thinner w/the introduction of the BBC in 68's. I wouldn't be worried about trimming it slightly. I took about 1/8 - 3/16 off my rail for my 67 to allow using Sandersons BBC mid-length header for a Chevelle. Your 66 won't be much different (if any) in that area.