Thread: Engine mounts - changeover from 6cyl to V8

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I did a couple of 58 swaps here's what I remember.

The 6 cyl frame mounts are taller than the V8 ones. Although the V8 can be mounted to the 6 cyl frame mounts it sets the engine up too high (it can be run that way, but screws up the drive shaft angles). V8 frame brackets can come from any full size chevy from 58 throught at least 66 and should really be used. Motor mounts are the same and are the early style, (NOT LIKE THE ONE IN THE PICTURE ABOVE).

I used 70 Impalla 350/350 tranny mount, at most you may need to elongate the slots on the rear crossmember a little.

Your drive shaft should be OK as long as the TH 350 has the short tail shaft, otherwise you will have to shorten the front haft of the shaft.

As far as interior info, check E Bay and look for sales info. A lot of that shows different interior options available.

Just a little general information for you.

Your 6 Cyl springs should do fine. If your rebuilding the suspension and want the car to really handle, add a set of 348 springs (you'll need to cut a little bit off the front coils to get the frond end ride height right) and add 1" frond and rear sway bars.

A disc brake upgrade for the front is really the way to go on these cars. If you wish to retain the drums and have problems finding the Ball Bearings for them (a rearl pain and expensive here in the states) Dig up a set of 63/64 front hubs, there a bolt on and convert the car to tapper bearings. Grabbing the backing plates and drums at the same time will also give you bigger front drum brakes.

I don't know about the export cars, but the domestic 6 Cyl models came standard with vacume wipers instead of electric. If you do a change over you will need not only the electric motor and switch but also the linkage arms.