51 Chevy Pickup 500 swap

[LB181]

Ok, I searched the internet for the last week to try and find a cadillac swap in an advanced design chevy pickup. Has anyone done this swap, or has anyone seen it done? I have a 216 6cyl and if it is a reasonable swap, I think it would be the perfect engine for a big truck that does not need to be quick, but have power when needed. Any websites you can point me to would be awesome. Obviously there are so many factors to consider, but hopefully some of you have some info that can help.

Thanks in advance.
Corey

[DOC]

How about some more details? What size is the truck, how you going to use it, buget, that sort of thing. I think most of the clearance problems deal with the steering column. That can be dealt with pretty simple.

DOC

[BigJohn]

I am also planning the same swap. I have a 51 Chevy 1/2 ton. If anyone else has done a simular swap I would also like some helpful tips if anyone has any. I already have the motor and tranny. The only thing holding me back is extra cash and extra time.
Thanks,
Big John

[LB181]

Sorry I wasn't more specific. It is 1951 1/2 ton Chevy 5 window pickup. I was thinking that most likely its the steering column that is going to give the most trouble. On the sites I have found, it looks as though a couple u joints will solve that problem.

[DOC]

A SBC is 2 inches narrower at the exhaust manifolds tha a Cadillac. The steering column is the only clearance problem. The '51 Chev PU frame rails are straight and makes fabricating engine mounts and trans crossmember pretty easy. It will produce enough power to make high speed handling and braking pretty scary, but a lot of fun.

DOC

[cadillac chap]

im also 50s chevy nut as well as a cad man. i got a few 50s models an am currently restorin a 51 3600 5 window. that 216 you got, what kind of bearings does it take? has it been converted to inserts or is it still a babbet beater? but as far as your big block cad swap is concerened i have no clue besides you better change out your suspension an brakes on the front, im assumin you already got a different rear axle. id love to see some pics of this project of yours. let me know bout that motor you got, that is if you wantin to get rid of it.

[badger]

hello and welcome im currently in the process of doing just that i have 1958 chevy p/u but ive grafted a camaro subframe onto it.if you are using your standard framerails or ifs let me know. making mounts will be no prolem for you as long as you stay with the underfloor master cylinder,you will have to mock it up also you will need a rear sump pan eldo or others,front sump pans do not work in your application midsump pan may work but with a rear sump you can get the engine lower in the framerails.

[LB181]

Thanks everyone for the info. I am still working on the body and all my other plans for the truck, but the Cad engine is still on my mind. Badger, do you have any pics of your swap? It would be nice to see how yours is working out. Like everyone is saying, the steering column should be my biggest obstacle but it is possible.

Corey