V8 swap

[Pechetr]

Hello guys. New member here. Just bought a 57 chev truck. Bone stock. Want to upgrade to small block from the 235 inline. I found the crossmember for the motor mount conversion, but will need to keep the stock 3 speed manual trans for a bit yet. Will the trans bolt up to a 305/350 block and what will have to be changed to mount the starter. Truck currently has the original floor mount starter switch.

Thanks in advance

[OrrieG]

235 and V8 bellhousings are different, you will need to find a truck cast iron one with the side trans mounts. The 3 speed will bolt on to the bellhousing. Floor mounted starter switch will go away, stock v8 used keyed starter switch. By "front crossmember" I assume you mean the two extension brackets? Same cross member is used for 6 and V8, V8 has extensions that move the post mounts back. It also uses tin to move the radiator back, but that is not necessary, you can keep the radiator where it is and install a shroud. You will also have to deal with the throttle linkage and exhaust, stock ram horn manifolds that drop straight down make that easy. This swap has been discussed may times, use the box above to search this site to turn up detailed threads.

[Pechetr]

Thanks Orrie that helps a lot. The crossmember I was referring to is from LMC and goes between the frame rails incorporating the V8 motor mounts.

[OrrieG]

If you are using the tube type that uses the side mounts then the down pointing rams horn exhaust will not work. There have been threads on different headers, search should pull one up. Clutch linkage will add to the complexity.