1956 Truck 1/2 tom engine swap

[48Dodger]

You can look over my "Volare front end experiment" if you like....it might give you some insight to the amount of work it would take. I did all the work myself, so the cost

was less than say someone who doesn't do that kind of stuff. For me, the problem has always been the lack of suspension and brake work on projects that seem to only

focus on the engine upgrade. It should be a matched effort in my opinion. Good luck with what you decide, plenty of info here to get it all figured out.

 

48D   

[Young Ed]

9 hours ago, 59bisquik said:

FWIW, If I ever did do a V8 swap, I would try and find an early Hemi to stuff in there!

 

The first years of hemi have that same style front mount. 

[Jeff Balazs]

I think a lot depends on how you intend to use it......and how much of the original character you want to preserve.

You can make a safe driver out of it with few mods that don't really take anything away from the experience of driving a 60 year old truck. Disc brakes....seat belts...upgraded electrics and lighting.....and gearing changes are all popular mods. And they are all relatively easy and don't cost too much if you plan things out carefully. A lot of us have gone down this path and can point you in the right direction. Of course none of this will result in street rod type performance but it is an old work truck after all.

I drive my 52 every day and I am happy with it. It has not left me stranded or been difficult to maintain.

Jeff

[Strandrunner]

Thanks Jeff. That's exactly where I am at. First phase is the rope seal leak, hand brake repair, carb work, new ignition and seat belts. 2nd phase is a new gas tank and zinc coat. 3rd phase will be disc brakes and 3.73 rear end.. 

[wayfarer]

3 hours ago, Young Ed said:

The first years of hemi have that same style front mount. 

minor correction....The early Dodge/Plymouth engines have the mount under the water pump but ALL DeSoto and ALL Chrysler and 56-up Dodge/Plymouth have side mounts.

[Young Ed]

7 hours ago, wayfarer said:

minor correction....The early Dodge/Plymouth engines have the mount under the water pump but ALL DeSoto and ALL Chrysler and 56-up Dodge/Plymouth have side mounts.

Thanks!