[QUOTE=Irelands child]
Quote Originally Posted by randyr
look so hot either. The firewall has been cut many ways and needs to be replaced. I'm looking at the ones from Direct Sheetmetal, Bitchin & Bob Drake reproductions, all with the 3"recess for small block engines. QUOTE]

I have used and like the Bitchin' and Direct Sheetmetal products. And suggest you get the big block firewall. It gives you a bit more room to work without crowding everything down around the engine. Mine is a Brookville and it came with a 3" recess, regardless of the fact I ordered a 5". I needed the extra 2 inches because TCI set my engine mounts back too far and mods had to be made to the firewall to fit. But that's another (long) story.

Hey Dave,
I think you're right about getting the big block firewall. I just got thru measuring my sadly cut up & modified original firewall and it is recessed almost 4" at the deepest part. It would certainly be better to have an extra inch in the engine bay than to be short one, you know? LOL! I also found a couple of cracks in my X-member that will need to be repaired. Wish I could spring for the TCI chassis but just can't do it right now. Will have to make this one safe in the meantime and save for the TCI swap in the future.
Here's a link to a nice 37 with a 5" setback firewall. http://www.hotrodscustomstuff.com/Minshew-01.html
Hope all is well on your side of the world....
Randy