I'm working on a deal for a '66 Valiant. It's been tubbed and backhalfed. I have a 440 that makes about 575+ HP and a stroker SB that should make about 500 HP when done. I'm looking to run a 10.0 index class. The headers for the small block are a tight fit fenderwells with 1 7/8 primaries. I guess the 2" BB headers should be worse. Any other problems going with the BB?
440 in an EARLY A
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I think you will have to mod the transmission tunnel. Pounding the pinch weld flat at the very least......possibly more.
Rusty is right. I didn't have to modify other than pounding the pinch weld flat against the floor. At least so far; to get my T56 installed I will have to cut part of the floor and crossmember.
Headers will be a serious issue with a big block, unless you have skills as a fabricator and can make your own.
Please start a build thread so others can learn from your discoveries
ragtopfury
Well-Known Member
To get the 727 behind Jake's stroked 360 in his 65, smashed the pinch weld at the firewall/floor seam and found that the bell still hit the sides of the tunnel before the Trans would go all the way up. We ended up splitting the tunnel from the seam to the front console bracket, and perpendicular to the tunnel at the end of that split. We then jacked the Trans into place, pushing the split open. Then we made patches to fill the gaps after opening it up just enough to clear the trans. Pretty much mini-tubbed the tunnel, if you will. Had some minor clearance issue that a big hammer cured for the linkage and rear line clearance.
Hope this helps, but no we didn't stop to take pics....doh!
I'm really thinking out this build. I had a custom set of Headman headers built for my '65 Dart with a 360. They were 75% custom and the ball peen did the rest. I also wanted enough space around the 904 so that I could use a blanket and have some air and finger space. I tried to use the factory hump but it would not work to my liking. I fabbed up another tunnel and got everything that I wanted. The gas pedal was too big and after multiple attempts of different pedal assemblies, I took a 4 spd pedal assembly and modified it to use the clutch pedal location for the brake. I'm thinking that the BB should look for another body. This looks to me that I should bring the firewall back 3-5" and re-tin the floors. It might be too radical to get it inspected for street use in PA. Still open for comments.....
That sounds like me. When I get motivated to do something, I just do it. Always after, I think "dang, I shouldda got the camera out"
abodyjoe
Well-Known Member
the swap is pretty easy. like stated you'll have to modify the floor in the pinch weld area some to fit a 727. engine is straight forward to drop in...
biggest issue is no one makes headers for them. so custom made is the way to go.. not usually cheap..
here is the 64 i did many years ago..
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