I have been a member for a few years but haven't really used the forum for questions. I am installing a 455 in my '67 Skylark. I have a problem with the lower heater hose hitting valve cover and the power steering pump seems to sit high with belt rubbing water pump. I am hoping this is somewhat a common swap and someone out there can give me some answers. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Which mounts did u use to install the 455? The aftermarket mounts raise the engine up approx 1 inch higher than the 67 gs 400 mounts do. That could be part of the hose hitting issue. If u have the un original pulley configuration and have larger than normal diameter pulleys u could run into the belt issue also.
I used TA Performance frame pads and motor mounts. They did tell me it would raise the engine 1/8 of an inch. So do you think the TA mounts raise it 1 inch? As far as the belt issue goes I am getting big block power steering brackets that hopefully will help.
I understand that you need to solder a elbow to the lower heater nipple. I assume you used the rearward mounting position for the frame pads.
I trimmed maybe 3/4 inch off the lower heater core tube and soldered a 90 degree fitting on it so the hose came off parallel to back of head instead of pointing right at it. Just be careful, it’s fragile where it connects to heater core (Edit...ha, see above)
I have a '71 455 in mine, used my original 400 mounts, but then added about 5/8 inch (up) with some aluminum spacers are fabbed up so the headers would not hit the frame. Did not have an issue with the heater hose though? And the power steering pump is fine too. But, I did use all my original brackets and pullies off my 400 block.
Sorry its been so long getting back on here (sometimes life gets crazy) but all seems good. When I installed new big block shroud, fan was centered in opening. Changed steel power steering brackets to big block style and fit perfect. The guy at auto parts store let me look at all formed heater hoses and I got one with a 90 degree bend on the end,problem solved. Thanks for all the input it helped alot.
