Thread: 55 Chevy stock car

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The car went in for a cage and it was gone for 3 or 4 months. It took almost 2 months to get the pipe and then it kept getting pushed on the back burner because of other jobs that he had to complete. While it was there, I ended up having a 79 Camaro front end put on so that I would have updated front suspension and less issues putting in a late model engine.
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I did get the cage done and the car is home again which is good. Here are some pics of it in progress. The first pic is of the guy who built it.
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I can't find my pics of the completed cage, but you get the general idea of it.

I think I mentioned that I planned of building an AMC 401 for this car. I was at a friend's house in December and we were talking about an engine for this thing. He convinced me to go Chevy power because it would be a lot cheaper and right now, cheaper sounded better. He gave me a 350 block with 4 bolt main, intake, carp, distributor, starter, and some other things that I cannot think of right now. I bought the heads from him and then we ordered the rest. This is a 383 stroker with around 400 hp. This is the smallest 383 stroker he has ever built, but we built it with gas mileage in mind since I plan on driving it on a daily basis. And with 400 hp, I will still be able to have some fun. The motor isn't quite done in this first pic, but it is getting there.
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The motor is complete and sitting in the garage waiting to be installed.
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In preparation of installing the motor, I cut out the old tranny mounts which would have been in the way for the most part. There would have been about an inch of clearance with the 700r4 tranny that I will be using so just made it a lot easier to install.
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Progress is a good thing. That should be a FUN driver

lookin' good Pastor! should really make for some fun cruizin'!!!! An era correct looking stock car with a sbc and overdrive!!!!

Pastor great thread. Just finished reading it all. You have been busy. Great progress. Also liked the dent repair tool, haven't seen one of those! Might come in handy for sure with my old truck!

Pastor, your passion is exceeded only by your vision - - - - Good Luck with this project !
(I wish I had a dollar for every Tri-five Chebbie that was cut up for a stocker)

"I wish I had a dollar for every Tri-five Chebbie that was cut up for a stocker"

I wouldn't mind having any of the old stock cars. This one was too far gone so do not mind building a stock car out of it. The goal is to have it driving by the end of summer and then do body work and paint over the winter.

Well installing the motor didn't exactly go as planned. First my headers didn't work out but got another set for $60 from Auto Zone. These are full lengths instead of mid-length so will be interested to hear how they sound. Actually, I would like to get them installed and see if they fit which brings up the second issue. My motor mounts are not working. I have an 80 Camaro z28 front clip which is why my mid-length headers won't fit since they are made for a 55. But now the motor mounts are off by about an inch. So I am looking for block motor mounts for an 80 Camaro. And if a Camaro or Chevy guy has some ideas on this, please chime in because this ol AMC person doesn't have a clue about chevy.My biggest question right now is if chevy made different patterned block mounts because I have what I think are 79 Camaro block mounts on and they are not working. I did install new frame motor mounts and they are just like what I took off so I don't think they are the issue. And if anyone is interested in a new set of mid-length headers that fits in a tri-five chevy, let me know.

Pastor chevy has a few different mounts I ran into that when I put a sbc in my 57 with stock frame. could you post pictures of what you have and where its going
love your project it should be fun to drive on the street

I think I have the mounts taken care of. I just got a different set from somebody and will try them out tomorrow. If all goes well, I will post pics of the motor in the car and if not, I will post pics of the mounts.

At one time I was going to put a camaro sub on my 57, but in mock up I couldn't use the stock core support for the rad. Had to use a different radiator and changed my mind as core support just didn't workout ..Interested in seeing your results...Problem was 5, 6 ,&7 have rear steer and camaro had front. The gear box was in the way

Moving the gear box was one of the reasons I decided to go with the Camaro. With the car resembling a stock car, I don't need to worry about all of the factory stuff, just need to make it work.

The motor is in place, I had to have the 3rd tube of the header moved on the passenger side so it would clear the plate that connects the 55 frame and the 80 front frame, and I got the radiator brackets made and radiator installed. I would post pics but had photobucket as my pic host and with their last changes, I cannot access any of my albums and it won't upload my pics. So I am in the process of deleting my account since they have not responded to my questions and am looking for a new pic host site. What do you all recommend as a host site that will work with this site.