VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 v-8 in a 54 wagon

Is it possible to install a small block v-8 in a'54 chevy without changing the front end?Does the stock drag link and steering setup allow for proper clearances without changing the front end clip?I have already determined that the e-brake will have to be relocated and/or modified.Thanks in advance for your input!

the firewall triangular shaped gussets that run verticaly on either side of the 6 cylinder engine will have to go . otherwise, little or no butchering of the 54 will be required assuming you are installing a small or big block chevy engine with the starter located on the pass side of the engine. an oldmobile(1949 thru 64 with the starter on the driver's side) will present headaches. mike

Thanks Mike,I have the V-8 mounts and figured the gussets would have to be trimmed,will the center drag link clear the oil pan? Thanks,Tim

I installed a sb 350 in my 52 sport coupe. Had to removed the gussets completely and the E-brake
( found a complete E-brake handle and flexable cable in a early 50s Pontiac with chrome handle and flex cable,runs down left side and
bolts up to the drivers side hood hinge worked great and looks stock)
Installed the sb 350 with a 350 turbo trans.
removed trans crossmember and fabed my own.
only problem i had with steering components was the steering box arm fits ok with stock 350 manifolds but had to have custom set of headers fit to get past steering box arm. as for the drag link it had lots of clearance with the stock oil pan.
Hope this helps