Big Blocks, Front Clips and Headers 1963 Pro Street

I'm trying to find anyone who has put a new front clip, (Alston, Hiedt or TCI) in a 63 style car with a Big Block. I'm also looking for information on pan and header options. I started off by trying to put a modified Big Block in with stock suspention and decided in a very short time that was a waste. I do have a set of brand new Hooker Comp. headers and Moroso oil pan set up for the stock front end. The left valve cover on the engine hits the firewall right where the stock wiper motor is located which will have to be modified I'm sure. Anybody dabble with this set up?

the chassisworks frame was made with a big block in mind.
We make under car headers, but fenderwells will fit, but may rub the tires.

use an oil pan from a regular car or truck .

the standard brake in our kit does not need a power booster, helping out the
big block fit.

I had a BB with a TCI front clip, never drove it though, just sold it actually. I had S&S headers that fit pretty well. I also had to cut the front knob off of the wiper motor to clear the tall valve covers. I have a few pics not very good ones though.


http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=982241

Jimmy

My web page has a few pics of 461 in my 64 wagon. Used factory frame rails with Heidt's weld in crossmember and suspension parts taken from a mustang II in the wrecking yard. Headers are Hooker super comp 2" fenderwell exit and oil pan is regular deep pan from my old 69 nova
Scott

Tom at Dawson's Racing Headers makes a set that will fit. Lemmon also makes a set. I have seen the Lemmon brand on a Heidts front with a big block. Very clean and looked great. The tubes came close to everything but did not hit. Both companies are in the $800-900 range.

Correction on the spelling. Here is the website for both.

http://www.lemonsheaders.com/ and http://www.dawsonracingheaders.com/

I went through basically the same steps you did, only mine is a 66 with a 510ci big block. I used the Chassisworks clip & their headers which are awesome quality by the way. Everything fits perfectly, even with a 5 speed. Stay away from fenderwell headers if you can...like the others said, issues with tire clearance, especially if you want the car to sit low.

By the time I got a set of fenderwells to fit ( moving primary tubes around, cutting back the collectors and having the jet hot coated) plus the cost of the headers I was at around $800.

I like how they turned out but I think I would have gone a different route if I were to do it over.

You can use just about any " car pan" or use the one you have it will fit.

Either the valve cover or the firewall is going to have to be modified.

I have CW clip with CW headers and Big Block. Headers fit nice, I didnt like how the welds on the flange protruded into the flow path but they fit amazingly well. I am using Moroso aluminum stamped valve covers, i had to dimple the drivers side back to clear the firewall where the wiper motor attaches. I also had some old Cal Custom finned valve covers on there and they fit with no problem, they did not clear my stud girdles though.

Wow, thanks guys for your input! I almost thought knowone put Rats in these cars due to the low response at first. Seems like everybody is doing something a little different. I think I'll do the firewall mod cus I've also decided to get the TCI coil over complete clip just cus they are 15 min. from my house and it's good to be close to the manufacture (in case you have to jump on their desk for any reason =) With this set up I'll put the fenderwells on and see how they fit with this clip. If I dont have tire issues or ground clearance problems I'll use em, if not, unfortunatley, I'll have to have a custom set made. Anyway, thanks again guys! I'll let ya all know how it turns out.
AL

my subframe is a tci. i put s&s headers (part # 6502) they fit like a glove on a 396 b/block. the wipe im mounting on the inside. i notched about 1" off the firewall were the valve cover hit. a morso oil pan and stock one both will work. if you have any question you can e-mail me at roberts559@mchsi.com

good luck paul

Anyone have pictures they can post. I may end up putting a big block mine as well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/Novass301/Feb2103.jpg

As you can see I just started pulling the front end apart. I'm putting in the 482ci @ 593hp engine on the stand. I decided to go with the Chris Alston Chassisworks complete front end. It was more money but I think it will suite my needs the best, plus, the headers were designed by them to fit their front clip perfectly and they tuck inside the frame rail which I like. Those of you who have installed a big block know that it's tighter than two thumbs up a pigs nose right!? Because of that I want it all to fit perfectly. Just have to modify the firewall but thats noth'in compaired to me always tell'in the wife it's only going to be another grand to finish the car!:mad: I'll be taking more pics as the project moves along.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/dwptech/ChevyIICool.jpg

;)


looks pretty darned hot ta me !!!


good Job Al ;) in all regards :D

Hey man, you did all the work, all I had to do is copy and paste.:rolleyes: Thanks again Big John!:D You da man!:cool:

Ok, so I have to ask the question... Is that a carpeted garage floor:D
Tg

I noticed the carpet also. First we get a stereo then a TV and what a great idea!! Carpet the floor. Your car looks AWESOME!!!!!:chev:

You will be happy with the CW kit! I used a Stef's pan on mine and it fits fine.

http://home.comcast.net/~documike/EngIn5.jpg

Ok, so I have to ask the question... Is that a carpeted garage floor:D
Tg


Yup! She likes the way it feels on her skins:D
AL

You will be happy with the CW kit! I used a Stef's pan on mine and it fits fine.

http://home.comcast.net/~documike/EngIn5.jpg


Dude, that is such a bitchin car!!!!!:cool: Why did you sell it?:eek:
Al

I noticed the carpet also. First we get a stereo then a TV and what a great idea!! Carpet the floor. Your car looks AWESOME!!!!!:chev:

Thanks for the compliment!;) The carpet was already there when we moved into the house. Would I do it again? Probably not cus I'm always vacuuming but it sure is nice when you're on your back!:D
AL

I didn't sell it...I just went out to the garage and it's still there! You must have me mixed up with someone else.

When you order your front clip, have them leave the motor mount brackets off. That way you can position the front of the engine down further, gaining clearance at the wiper motor location. Stock valve covers help, but I think there would be room for aftermarket aluminum or talller than stock, but probably not the tallest Moroso or Milodin ones.http://home.earthlink.net/~joemama1/c2e.html

http://home.earthlink.net/~joemama1/C2E45.JPG

I didn't sell it...I just went out to the garage and it's still there! You must have me mixed up with someone else.

Sorry Mike my mistake:rolleyes: We just got back from a cruise and my mind is still poolside if ya know what I mean:eek: Fast4by's 67 just sold.

When you order your front clip, have them leave the motor mount brackets off. That way you can position the front of the engine down further, gaining clearance at the wiper motor location. Stock valve covers help, but I think there would be room for aftermarket aluminum or talller than stock, but probably not the tallest Moroso or Milodin ones.http://home.earthlink.net/~joemama1/c2e.html


Nice set up bro! :eek: Super clean!! I'm picking up the complete front clip today at the Yellow Freight dock. The motor mounts are already on. That's ok because one,the firewall is'nt that big of a deal and two, if I start messing around with engine height because it's so tight I may run into header clearance problems cus I bought their headers that tuck inside the frame and they designed everything to fit just right. I have to use the tall valve covers and I really dont want the engine sitting down any lower because of the deep Moroso pan and the 2" drop.
Al

Just received the Chris Alston Chassisworks complete front clip with all the goodies. Man I'm impressed! The engineering and quality of everything is incredible! I'm glad I spent the extra money. With headers it was $5,500,:eek: I know, but like I've said for many many years. . . . . . .it does'nt cost much more to go first class. Both Alston and myself are in California so tax and shipping was almost $700.00! With headers included it really isn't that much more than the other guys. By the way, the 122 page instuctions are the most comprehensive I have ever see in my life! Bolt by bolt removal of stock front clip to finish product with pictures to match each step and helpful notes for powder coating and pre assembly. They wrote the instructions as if they designed, built and installed it each step of the way from scratch, WHICH THEY DID! Any problems they encountered were addressed and taken care of and notes were made and passed on to us, the customer. No guesswork, I like that!:D I'll take photos as the project progresses.
Al

I had the same experience...mo money but mo quality and no jury rigging, missing parts, modifying, and top quality components. If I were doing it again, I'd go the same route. Have fun.

If you haven't done so yet, use the stock 67 drum brake non power M/C with
the front residual pressure valve removed...works & fits xlnt.

If you haven't done so yet, use the stock 67 drum brake non power M/C with
the front residual pressure valve removed...works & fits xlnt.


Thanks for the info Mike;) When I bought the Chassisworks kit I also bought the Wilwood Master from you guys. The car already has the manual Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve so I should be in pretty good shape.
I do have a question for you concerning powdercoating the sub frame. Should I not get the powdercoat in the area where the billet rack-mounts attach to the frame boss or is this area not critical.

the wilwood looks better, & is lighter.

tape off or plug the a-arm bolt holes, the rack "ovals", & the stub for the
Gemini connectors.