327 in 1954 corvette

[David Z.]

I'm considering putting a 327 and 4 speed manual transmission in a 1954 corvette
that does not have a drive train. Is this feasable? Is there enough room to do this? Any pitfalls? Thanks.

[Kent K.]

Re: 327 in 1954 corvette

Dave,

Depending upon how complete the rest of your '54 is, in MHO, a correct engine and tranny are not that tough to locate. I started with a pile of nothing, collected nearly all the parts in about 12 years, and had to sell my '54 when we moved and lacked space. The buyer completed it shortly thereafter. It was beautifil !!!

But, if that's what you want. . .

Kent #6201

[Don H.]

Re: 327 in 1954 corvette

I have a friend that has owned a '54 since 1965 that came with a small block and 4 speed in it. I don't think it is a tough fit but I have never looked real close at the installation. I also wonder why you would consider it? Don H.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 327 in 1954 corvette

If a 265 will fit in a 55, I can't see any reason that a 327, or a 350 for that matter, won't fit in a 54. All the engine external dimensions are the same.

[Mike M.]

Re: 327 in 1954 corvette

Dave: not a difficult swap if you're so inclined(will be a better car with v-8 and 4 spd but probably more desirable to the next owner if its a 235 powerglide) You can use 55 to 62 frame/motor mounts and rams horm exh manifolds. biggest hassle will be the fuel pump will almost certainly rub the frame(GM put a notch in the 55 up frames that your 54 frame won't have. could always use an electric fuel pump and block off plate.) I'd rather see it on the street under any power than sitting in a moldy garage. good luck with your project. mike

[Dennis C.]

Personally, I'd try to wedge in a 502... *NM*

[Wayne W.]

Re: Personally, I'd try to wedge in a 502...

Heck, I know where there is one with a 409-409.

[Mike E.]

Re: 327 in 1954 corvette

Mike is right--the only real issue is the fuel pump. Another issue that I'm dealing with as I put a 327 with a 60/61 FI unit on it is radiator and shroud. A 54 Radiator has the wrong size hose outlets (but a 55-60 radiator also fits perfectly, and has the correct outlets. I'm concerned about adequate cooling, so I'm fitting a 60-62 fan shroud. If anybody's concerned about why I'm doing that--the car was damaged in front in 1957 and although the body work was done well, the frame was replaced with a new GM frame for a 57 with the proper bump-out for the fuel pump. I'm also running the correct shifter with a turbo 350, because I'm 6'3" and I can't get feet to both clutch and brake at the same time with the huge steering wheel and thick seats. If you're going to put a manual transmission in it, get a 55-57 clutch and brake pedal assembly. A 58-62 doesn't fit. Good luck! And have fun driving it regularly!

[Mike M.]

Re: Personally, I'd try to wedge in a 502...

Dipstick: been there and done that; my little 250 pg 57, that i've yet to restore and show in ncrs(my second vet, purchased in 1970 for 450 bucks out of pittsburg, pa) transported my then thin ass to med school classes powered by a 427 built to L-88 specs. ) only major problem stuffing a mark IV in a c-1 involves removing the 1" by 1/2" tab to the midline of the heater cut-out on the firewall. it interferes with big block valve covers. don't recall how many c-1's i've NCRS- judged over the years that lacked the tab but probably more than a dozen. Every owner swore on their dearly departed mothers massengill bag that the small block present on judging day was the original.I saved the tab, will re-install it prior to dropping the ORIGINAL 283/250 back in the old girl, and swear up and down , on her bag, its the original . mike.

[Chris S.]

Re: 327 in 1954 corvette

The 54 I am currently am doing - had a 57 vette installed in the late 60's
It was done with a conversion made by Hurst ( yes the shifter company )
Easy to do - - there is a plate that mounts to the front of the engine
the plate extends over the frame rails - a plate welds to the frame with a
bushing and bolt thru the plate and bushing and plate on that attached to the
motor
For the trans - there is a plate that welds in with a tranny mount that bolts to it
you will have to use a block off plate and a elec fuel pump
I still have all the parts that were needed to complete the swap
I assume since Hurst made a kit - it was pretty popular ??!!!

[Mike M.]

Re: 327 in 1954 corvette

in early 60's the local speed shops could get a hurst motor mount kit to install the popular GM V-8's in pre 55 chevys and most all Fords. I bought a Hurst mount kit to install a 331 caddy in a 49 chevy, a small block chevy in a 49-54 chevy. friend got one for pontiac into 54 chevy. They were well constructed. I'd guess the Kit in chris's 54 was probably the small block chevy to 49-54 chevy kit(frames near identical up front to the c-1 vettes). mike

[Dave Suesz]

I notice on Grossmueller's site...

He has a couple of 54 engines listed POR.