454 in a 1951?

[YahamaR1]

Hello guys..

I am new here, I am already reading all the treads for a year now.
But I have a couple of questions..

I have a 1951 truck from Texas..

I rebuild the last 3 months a very nice 7,4 L 454 with a Hydromatic 400
I want to put it in the stock frame..

What is the best IFS for this build, en how is it with the firewal, do I have to cut
It, or you think I have enough space for this engine?
Do you have some pictures?? And are there many people with this engine in a 51'
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[mr48chev]

I don't think you would have a problem with any of the better Mustang II ifs kits with that engine. Heidts could probably sell you a kit with the correct spring rate.

In your area though the Jag SJ6 crossmember would probably be the most economical and it is well up to the task. If you check the builds section there are some AD trucks there with the Jag crossmember and suspension. It comes all in one unit and isn't too hard to make ready for a clean installation in a truck. It isn't as pretty as the aftermarket units but quite heavy duty and up to the task.

[mr48chev]

There are several good Kits such as Heidts but you might want to look at the Jaguar XJ6 front suspension installations that a couple of the members on here have done on similar trucks. They aren't quite as showy but are plenty strong and should be somewhat inexpensive in your area of the world.

I would have to believe that you will have to do some work on the firewall to make room for the big block. There are kits available but years ago one of my best friends used a Wheelbarrow pan to make the recess in the firewall of his Model A Ford to clear the V8 he installed.
You can look at the shallower wheelbarrows that usually are not too expensive and with a tape measure figure out if one would do the job.

[YahamaR1]

Thank you very much for the info.
I hope that someone can show me some pictures
Of that IFS that you are talking about..
That I have to cut in the firewall, isnt a big problem..
The only thing I want is a good and strong Ifs frontsuspension
That can handle the weight of the big block..
The most truck fans here put a 350 in it..
I will call Heidts, and ask what the recommended for this build..
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[YahamaR1]

Maybe option 2 is a S10 frame.
This is stronger then a stock frame I think..
I don't know of a big block is easyer to install
In this frame??
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[1953chevyroc]

Stick with the original frame, its strong and can be reinforced as needed. An S10 swap is complicated, time consuming and frustrating. Half the threads started on here are about issues they run into. A Heidts unit with the correct springs should be more than strong enough, even for a BBC.

[YahamaR1]

Thanks, I wll use the stock frame, that was my plan from the beginning..
I will kontakt Heidts for the best IFS...
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[YahamaR1]

Are there some pictures of a 454 in a 51"
anyone.??

[1953chevyroc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA_NqU1oBTw

at 40secs it shows a good shot of the engine bay, it is doable

[MrTucker]

^^that's a sbc, not a 454


There's a guy on this board somewhere that's dropped in a 502 bbc - cant think of his name though.

[YahamaR1]

I like the front of the truck, but the back is too much.. A little bit too much..
It sounds nice..

I think its very rare to see a 454 in a 51 truck..
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[Love2Fab1]

yamahaR1,
Renegade (renegade8720) has a 496 stroker shoehorned in. It will fit with some huggers and minor inner frame trim work. Fab1

[1953chevyroc]

ok nvm, i didnt look hard enough and the description was misleading

[pgf545]

Check out my build thread I am doing a big block in a 52. It is really tight, we used a B*tchin products firewall and still had to make a little room or the distributor. If you have any questions post them and I will do my best to answer them. I have quite a few pictures on my thread and if you don't see what you need I might have some more on my computer that I can post.

Bernie

[YahamaR1]

Thanks, this thread is really helping me..
What kind of Headers are that? Where can I order them?

Looking very good that 572...

When I know how to place pictures, I will put some 454 pictures on here..
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[pgf545]

Originally Posted by YahamaR1

Thanks, this thread is really helping me..
What kind of Headers are that? Where can I order them?

Looking very good that 572...

When I know how to place pictures, I will put some 454 pictures on here..
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Thanks, actually it is only a 454....well maybe a little bigger, I think we bored it .030 over and put in some new pistons, cam Edelbrock heads....etc. My dad liked the 572 valve covers so he bought himself some!!! The headers I believe were from Summit racing and we sent the out to Jet Hot for coating. Nothing special. If you need anything else let me know.

Bernie

[YahamaR1]

only a 454.!!!! hahahaha isn`t it enough??
but it still looks nice.. I got the Black Chevrolet valve covers on it,
you can see it on my avatar..

are you using 2"drop spindles, or the stock height??

[pgf545]

They are stock height, right now we have the wrong springs do it sits a little high in the front. We are going to get softer springs or coil overs but are going to wait until we get closer to finishing it. Thanks for the comments.

Bernie
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[YahamaR1]

Oke, thanks.. I was looking for a IFS, and then you have to choose between
2" drop or stock height spindles.. Mucho gracias para y information
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[pgf545]

You can get an idea of how it is going to set by lowering it about 2-3 inches from what I have in the pictures. Right now it is all the way extended because of the springs.

Bernie

[semn49]

I'm putting a 454 in my '49. Had the cab and radiator/support in place when I positioned it. Also I'm using a narrowed up front suspension out of an Crown Vic. cop car, 'tho I would recomend a MII crossmember to save time/headaches. I do't have any pics of the motor sitting in there but it fits fine without cutting the firewall.

[renegade8720]

Here are a few pics of a 496 stroker in my 50 truck chassis.
It will fit, but is snug.

Renegade

[Handfull 54]

YahmahaR1,
Here is a picture of a Big Block in my 54. I used a fatman crossmember and Mustang II components. I would use a lower A frame that does away with the strut rod. I didn't and so had to make my own headers. No cutting the fire wall and the radiator is in its stock mounting position. I did use an after market radiator mount(rymes with rich in but with a B) but everything bolted up to the fenders,etc. with no modifications.

[YahamaR1]

Thanks you all for the pictures.. Really helping...
I want to leave the firewal as it is.. In a fee months I will
Place the engine.. So I will let you know how it is goingg..
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[YahamaR1]

Today I recived my Headers from Summit..
Looking very nice.. Now I need a serpentine set..
And a new gastank..
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