Engine Swap in a '53 Special

[Snake-Man]

Hi. I'm replacing the old straight-8 in my '53 with a hopped-up Chevy 327 and TH-350 tranny. My question is: how well would the original motor-mounts line up, or does any one know anybody that makes motor-mount conversion kits for this application?

[Jim Carmichael]

If you check the hot rod parts suppliers there is a company that makes a universal motor mount for the small block Chevy that will fit many different frames such as Ford pickups, one of those would work well in the Buick. A rear axle out of a 1962 or latter Buick has the open drive line and will keep the bolt pattern for the wheels the same. You will have to fabricate mounts for the 4 link but the width is real close.

Keep us posted on the results and how you solve the problem of exhaust etc.

[Snake-Man]

Thanks for the info...also, my buddy and I came up with another plan. We're thinking of installing a GM 10-bolt rearend and driveshaft out of his '86 Monte Carlo (the donator of the engine and tranny) and putting those in the Buick as well. What I'm wondering is...how well will the 10-bolt fit in the '53???