55.2-59 LS engine in stock frame

[mikejohn56]

I am thinking of installing an LS engine into my 1955 panel , but have already upgraded the front stock straight axle to tapered bearings and 5 lug disc brakes. Has anyone on this forum done this and is there a build thread that documents how was done. Any suggestions appreciated.

[dsraven]

I have done the LS into a 57 but it had a MII cross member. what I would watch out for would be the oil pan height, since the axle will travel upwards over a bump, because it could contact the oil pan. on mine I used a camaro oil pan kit that included the shallower pan, the windage tray, oil pump pick up tube and new O ring, oil dipstick and tube for the shorter pan and an oil filter. since the truck LS engines are more common they get used more often for LS swaps. they have a taller intake and also a deeper pan and the accesories are mounted a bit differently than some car engines are. usually there is lots of room for the taller intake but the oil pan hanging down is asking for trouble. you will likely need to bump in the firewall some because room between the water pump and rad will be scarce so an electric fan would be an option if you do some dimensional checks before you do motor mounts. for exhaust manifolds I used some Camaro parts as they are more of a narrow width and will fit between the frame rails well. for mounts I made my own using donor Camaro clamshell parts that bolt to the engine and some fabbed up brackets that go to the frame on each side to connect the dots. I made them unbolt from the frame so engine swapping would be easy. they are not finished in the pics as I would have braced the 2 parts together so there would be no flx between the forward piece and the aft piece. I needed to make sure there was room for a steering column that is why the side brackets look a little wierd on that side.

[dsraven]

for handling etc it is best to keep the engine low and rearward. too low will cause interference with the axle of course. too far rearward means a bigger firewall issue. too far foreward means no room for a fan. if doing a firewall recess ensure to leave room for your foot and the acell pedal. nothing worse than an uncomfortable position if doing any time in the driver's seat.

[mikejohn56]

thanks for the feedback , excellent points for me to further research

[mr48chev]

First series 55 or second series Task Force version? It shouldn't be much of an issue if it is a TF style panel.

I had a pretty serous 327 that probably put out 400 hp in my 57 panel and it handled it pretty well They let you know how fast you can drive them down the highway and the "oh you can't run it with an I beam" is total nonsense if you have good sense.

Gas mileage with the 3 speed and stock rear end was what kept me at sain speeds with it. Go a bit too fast and the gas mileage dropped down to something terrible.