Thread: Inline 6 to V8 swap

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I am considering swapping out my GMC 320 c.i. motor for a Chevy V8 in my '52 Bel Air. I am currently running a 700R4 Auto. Will the V8 bolt right up to this? If I have it done in a shop, what would be the average cost? What might be some of the pitfalls?

The trans will bolt up to the sbc. Mounts will have to be changed. maybe radiator ?? should be easy job

Nice looking car. I believe I'd rather have the Jimmy in there, but maybe with a 5-speed......
1952 Bel Air - Club Hot Rod Photo Gallery

Gimmy 302 with split manifold------------------------

An absolutely beautiful car and I would tend to agree with the guys who suggested the 6 Cylinder with some nice dress up gear. But then again, big block, 6 speed cog box, airbags, and a sliced roof would work too but, hey, I'm joking of course. I like it as it is thanks.

Nice looking car. Like Charlie says: easy swap. That said, I tend to think like the others, but it's your car.

It closely resembles one that a schoolmate had when I was in high school, only his was white; 302 Jimmy, 3 carbs, cam, handbuilt headers, three speed, and it would pretty well thrash most of the V-8s on the road at the time; one in particular I remember quite well, because I thought the then new 348 Impala was the absolute best thing going, but that '52 flat ran away from it.

the stock radiator will work if in good shape .the same frame as my car and i had a chevy 327 in mine till i did the bbcs . freind had a 52 looks and sit about the same as yours with a small block was all stock . another guy has a 51 with a 327 with a stick that has the same honey comb radiator as well all cars used the front engine mount s i had stock55/57 front block mount others used the lakewood ox collar mount . i think block huggers headers will clear the old bell crank steering .on my car it had 265 log mainfold on the driver side for it to clear the steering box as the old ram horns will not fit .this is not a big deal has this swap is not to hard and there alot more stuff out there now to do this then there was 35 years ago . strait 6 would be nice thats is what i was going to do but i had a extra 454 laying around

If you don't mind me asking, bubbiecars, what is your reason for wanting to swap engines?
Nice looking Ride BTW
Em

Nice ride - like lots of the above comments, I'd tend to stay with the 6 and think about some trick parts in terms of intake and exhaust. As Pat detailed, there's room for a SBC without too much work, but what you have is a bit more unique.