283 into 1953 3100 5 window

[texas69truck]

howdy all

I am installing an early 60's/late 50's 283 that came out of a 57 Bel Air (not sure if original motor) into my 53. After cutting, making brackets and moving the gear box I was able to get it to fit but have clearance issues with access the transmission pane and I think my radiator is going to get into the fan. Let's start with the trans. My thinking is to remove/and or move back/ original trans cross member and replace with either a homemade or prefab one. does anyone have experience doing this or knows where to get one? Same thing with the engine, i have 4-5 inches from distributor to firewall. Any insight greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Travis

[nvrdone]

ok, this is not a hard swap. I have a 327 with m21 4spd in my '49.
first I did move the steering box 2" to the left. then I left the bell housing & trans cross members in the stock location. I used a flat plate from the trans cross member to the trans as a temp support. Then I leveled the carb mounting pad. That put the center line of my water pump +/- 19" above the lowest point of the front cross member. I then fabbed side mounts using 2" square tube & boxed the front part of the frame.
I also fabbed a drop plate for the trans mount. I did use rams horn exhaust manifolds for clearance. the oil pan clears my tie rod by about 2". the key is to get the carb mount level.
many people told me it wouldn't work, but guess what - I did the install in 1974 & its still in there with no problems. Just took it out tonight for a quick spin before driving it to work tomorrow.
If you need more info, just ask.

[Henry50]

The 57 283 doesn't have side mounts on the block.

[texas69truck]

Correct. The only option I have are front mounts. I have plenty of clearance on both sides and front/back. To my knowledge the TH350 behind the engine is a later model, the trans oil pan sits directly in above the original cross member. I did cut/plate the original cross member but the more I think about it the more I think it needs to be removed. changing trans filter will be a major pain. As others have done here I made my own front mounts for the stock location but think I would be better off moving it back. I have plenty of room in the trans tunnel. Not the best pics but hopefully this give you an idea of what I'm working with. Truck will have stock suspension so I don't need anything to tuck up.

Sorry about the pictures, cant figure out how to rotate

[Coach529]

I have a 350/350 combo in my truck. I cut out the original cross member and put in a premade one in. I am running an electric fan.

[Coach529]

You can just barely see the Speedway Cross Member (grey)

[texas69truck]

Thanks Coach529. your build was the one I looked at to figure out how to move the gear box over. It looks like your motor is a later model than mine, I do not have side mounts. I'll look up the cross member you used. Now just need to figure out the front!

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by texas69truck

Thanks Coach529. your build was the one I looked at to figure out how to move the gear box over. It looks like your motor is a later model than mine, I do not have side mounts. I'll look up the cross member you used. Now just need to figure out the front!

yes, my 350 is a mid 70's.

[72Mountaineer]

I used a tranny crossmember from a 70-81 Camaro with my TH350. Worked great, needed a little massaging, not bad at all. This crossmember would also work with a 4 speed.

[sleepindawg]

If you are using the engine "front" mounts and the tranny rear mount, you could possibly be putting too much stress on the aluminum bell housing.

I do use the "horse shoe" style mount on the front and a cast iron bell housing that has the cross member mounting ears and the tranny just hangs out in the open.