I want to run a front and mid plate to mount the engine in my 62. I want to run a big block in it but I found a 350 for a good price I could use as a mock up to figure were the motor plates need to be, but I dont know if its gonna work. Now the question, if I used a small block to figure where the motor plates need to be mounted will a big block fit the same and just be taller?

 

Thats a great question! but im not sure of the anwser.. sorry good luck!

 

I'm going to ask you why wouldn't it work? You might need an engine limiter also at some point which is important.

The crank shaft center line stays the same... small or big block in a given chassis.

We know timing cover is the same for both.

They both use the same timing chain...so that means the cam shaft center line stays the same too.

Even if you mount your alternator, water pump or any other drive to the plate, it would stay the same for either engine.

The only thing I can think of that might change, is if you had a roots style super charger to be driven. If thats the case, you simply would need a longer belt for the big block.

Maybe I'm missing something..but I can only think why not?

 

Im pretty sure it will work, I just wanted to make sure the crank centerline would be in the same spot and Im not 100% sure they are the same length from bellhousing mount service to the timing cover. thanks

 

I swapped the factory SB in my car to a 455, and dropped right in on the same mounts. As mentioned, a bit taller/wider, and needed longer belts. Did have to modify a couple accessory brackets, but not much. Took the high tech approach for belt sizing. Cut the old belts, installed on engine and measured the gap. At the auto parts store, said give me one of these, only 2 inces longer(or whatever it was).

 

Oil pan length is the same. Like already said, the 350 to 455 swap is a drop in,so I'm going to say yes.

Lets see some pic's of the work you have done on the '62. Or at least of the plans you have for it.
Gene

 

I have a build thread in the projects section. https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...5-cutlass.html