Mike has had a chance to get back to his '57 Chevy._ Two weeks ago he bought a 454 with a Tremec_ 5 speed attached._ Saturday we tried to fit it into the ’57._ People had told us it was a no sweat conversion._ Neither of us had ever done this before but, hey, some 1`x2 tube, two pudgy graying hill billies with a cutting torch and welder, some 3/16” plate and some ½” inside dia tube, a refrigerator full of diet cokes and a pan full of Robbie's delicious rice crispy squares and the job is all but done—Right??_ WRONG!!!_ It was a frustrating day.__

We had trouble with the exhaust manifolds clearing the frame rails._ The fellow Mike bought the 454 from threw in a set of large diameter "high performance" exhaust manifolds._ These did not clear the steering gear box on the left or the frame rail on the right._ We took those off and put on an old set of ’74 suburban manifolds._ They cleared on the right but still were perilously close or hitting the gearbox on the left._ Plus we had trouble with the front of the oil pan hitting the tie rod or the engine hitting the firewall depending on how it was fit._ To make things worse we did not know for sure where or how high the engine should be._ Mike and I arguing made the Bush- Kerry debates look like a peace conference. After four hours of fruitless struggling, we stopped._ I think that Mike will try to find some after market conversion engine mounts early next week._ That should help to locate the engine’s height and fore-aft positioning, but am still concerned about clearing the gearbox and the tie rod.__ I think that we need some professional help—in more ways than one._ _ Can we keep the stock gearbox, and tie rod and or oil pan?_ Is there a special kind of exhaust manifold we should be using?_ _ Any insight would be appreciated.

Note, I have not even hinted at the subject of fitting the Z bar to throw out arm. Mike is sure that we will not need a hydralic system. We will see!

Rick