55-59 Engine Placement Question - V8 Swap

[OrrieG]

Here are the FAM drawings of the factory v8 mounts and radiator tin. Also a photo of my mounts and valve cover and HEI clearance. I placed my engine by installing the block, transmission and transfer case in place with the front drive line connected (expensive to modify). I then raised the assembly so that the carb base was level, which gives the engine, trans etc. a 4 degree down angle, and the TH350 pan cleared the original rear cross member and trans bellhousing did not hit the bottom of the cab. I also dropped in a point dist to check clearance. Front mounts were fabbed from 1/2" steel plate using one existing crossmember hole and another drilled. Rear transfer/transmission mount from the 74 donor was used with extensions to bolt to the side of the frame. I went with the front mounts to avoid clearance issues with the exhaust and steering. I kept the radiator in the stock 6 cylinder place and found a fan shroud that works (70 Mustang of all things). This was all done in 1985 before the internet based on a local truck that had a similar conversion.