Small Block Chevy in a 1953 Chevy 3600
In this Tech Tip, John advises a customer on the parts needed to slip a small block Chevy engine in his 1953 Chevy 3600.
“The vehicle I am working on is a 53 Chevy 3600 three quarter ton pickup. I would like to install a small block Chevy. Will the following work?
- 135-6023 engine mount
- 135-3273 frame mount
- 720-9314 bolt-through cushion kit
My concern is that the frame appears to be different than the same age car or half ton pickup. I would be using exhaust manifolds like the 930-0328 ram horn exhaust manifold.”
Hi, thanks for your email. You asked about transplanting a small block Chevy V8 into your 53 Chevy pickup. Some of the numbers you mentioned are correct but the frame mounts are for the passenger car and not applicable to the pickup. The engine mount and cushion kit are correct. You can fabricate your own frame mounts or possibly try 91018033-SBC, 91018040, or several others that all are weld on configuration. We offer a bolt in for later years (1955-59) under number 7204771 but with the difference in frame widths to the 53 you would need to modify them accordingly. Feel free to visit us on the web at www.speedwaymotors.com or call 1-800-979-0122 with questions or to place an order.
- John W.
