56 chev belair clutch pedal installation

[craig57]

I'm attempting to install a standard in my project car a 56 chel belair postoriginally came wiyh a 265 v8 powerglide automatic transmission im putting in a 283 with with a hei gm distrubter and a muncie 4 speed
I have two concerns is there a modification required for the firewall I'll be using the stock 265 motor and trany mounts if I can.
The second question is how much trouble will the clutch pedal installation be are there any thing I should be aware of i fel this should not be too much of a problem.

[777stickman]

Using the stock motor mounts (front of engine and sides of bell housing) will not allow room for the larger HEI distributor at the firewall. If you don't want to modify the firewall go with a Mallory or MSD. They both make smaller ones with external coils and are High Energy units.

As far as the clutch linkage and pedal, I'm not sure about. If you haven't already got them you need the assembly manual for your '56. It really shows a lot of detail that would be helpful.

Visit the links below and ask their opinions on your project. I have always found them very helpful.

Beware of anything advertised as "custom fit". On my '57 90% of that had to be "customized" by me to fit.

Good luck and most all have fun!!!


http://www.danchuk.com/
http://www.classicchevy.com/

[Blue Bowtie]

Another option for the distributor is a factory HEI from 1987 or later. They are small diameter and use a divorced ignition coil.

[craig57]

thanks Ill look into the newer hei im sure i can find one at the autowrecker
Im now onto the clutch problem got most of the parts lined up just am wondering if the muncie m21 will fit onto the stock cast iron bell housing of the 283 or 265 v8

[bobss396]

Originally Posted by craig57

thanks Ill look into the newer hei im sure i can find one at the autowrecker
Im now onto the clutch problem got most of the parts lined up just am wondering if the muncie m21 will fit onto the stock cast iron bell housing of the 283 or 265 v8

The bolt pattern is the same, but the front bearing retainer on the transmission may not fit the hole in the bellhousing. I've taken off the bearing retainers is they were too big and turned them on a lathe to make them fit. I've also made up rings to make up the difference if the bearing retainer was too small for the bellhousing. You may get lucky and find an existing retainer that fits the bellhousing with some luck.

Bob

[craig57]

any idea how to hook up with a need for the computer.There are two oval ports one a two connector and the other has four connectors i beleive would be computer control for advance etc.

[777stickman]

Try this link. These guys are on top of everything that is Tri-Five

http://www.trifive.com/forums/login.php