Howdy,

I'm brand new to the forum and would like to introduce myself and ask for some opinions. I checked out many hot rod forums before settling on this one. I like the very active participation in this forum, and you guys seem like your really on top of it around here.

Anyway, my latest project is a 1956 Chevy 150 2 dr post. She's a bone stock car as she sits with a 235 6 cylinder and 3 on the tree. I happen to have a nice little 283 V-8 and Muncie wide ratio tranny that I've been sitting on that I feel would be the perfect drive train for this car, which I would like to restore as a period correct early 60's hot rod.

I'm not concerned about making the car look like it originally came from the factory with the V8, I'm more concerned about functionality and cost. I have a lot of experience rebuilding, pulling and installing engines, but have never swapped from straight 6 to V-8. I also have a 42 x 26 4 bay work shop and I will be performing all of the work myself.

The 283 came out of a 64 Impala with a four speed. It's warmed over with 461 heads, Edelbrock performer, Carter AFB, roller rockers, etc. It already has the pressure plate and clutch which are new. I also have an aluminum bell housing, and shift fork setup for the Muncie as well as a hurst shifter.

My concerns are getting the positioning right of the motor (motor mounts, tranny mounts, etc.), getting the clutch setup properly, and getting the radiator setup properly. I'm sure there are plenty of snags I haven't thought of and I would very much like to have any and all opinions, recommendations, etc. Especially if any of you have done this very thing to a tri-five Chevy.

Thanks in advance.

T