I am going to be swaping a 472 Hemi into a '55 Belvedere .

Have any of you done this swap? If so, any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Is there a rack & pinion system that will work in this car with the Hemi?

Thanks!

I see you got a lot more response over at the HAMB, so I guess I'll bump this and offer a few points.
Make darn sure you check all the rod parts companies. Order up catalogs, check websites and ask for prior experience (like here). It really stinks to find out AFTER you've done something that there was a good easy way already figured out.
When doing any swap, figure out what's required and what's flexible. Small notching of sheetmetal and frame is okay, the steering and exhaust can both be moved, but the best is to find stuff that works together, can be serviced easily, and is commonly available. Don't build until ALL components are thought out and planned for. If you want power steering and brakes, A/C and cruise, make sure you know all the options available, and pick the best fit and price. Then see if each works with the others. The hard part isn't the build, it's the design before hand.

Since the dodge did come with hemis you might want to start there and see what the dodge hemis fit like in 55 engine compartment. The dodge hemis were smaller overall compared to the chryslers so it would make sense to see what the chryler dimensions would do to the overall fit/clearances compared to the dodge engine.

I would think it would fit OK, see the link below where the guy but a BB mopar in one with the stock frame.
personally I like to change the frontends over to something more modern. like the fatman front stub and mustang II components with the Big brakes and power rack and pinion, less clearance problems with the rack in my opinion and if you wanted to upgrade to coilovers or air ride, its very easy to do. Ron....

I have never done one of these cars so I am just applying general streetrod ideas here....



http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2062763

Sounds like you are doing it right...I put a 440in my 56 Belveder .I had more problem with headers than anything else..but after I ran it for a year I wanted to get rid of the stock front end..A surprizingly easy swap over was the Volare type k frame..Mine was from a Chrysler 5th ave . I got a complete doner car to take it from so I now have the steering colume with tilt wheel too. But now even more header problems..and I have A/C , power windows, now power steering and disc brakes..the steering colume went in like it was made for that car..My Ply rides straight and smooth..best thing I did..I had to make my own motor mounts.. Good luck

dynamite, you have any pics? i want to build a 56 in the future, kind of collecting pics and info right now.

my 56

Very Nice!

Mark

Ok Mark...it's time to get that Hemi Allstate going..when can we see a burnout????Larry

Hi Larry,
I got side tracked. I sold the 472 Hemi.
But.... I have a new engine in the works. It is the block on the stand.The 472 is on the floor with an AC compressor on it!
The Body still has a way to go yet.
Thanks for asking, I am still working on it.

Mark

Here's one more. I gave a guy what I thought was a high price on the 472 Hemi and he said "I'll take it!!!
So I thought I would build a bigger one.
This one will be 572".

I should not have a problem merging onto the Interstate!

Mark

WOW NICE!!!!!

Thanks Ron,
I am having fun shopping for parts. I just have to stay within my budjet! LOL (price of the old engine) It took 10 years to collect the parts for the 472 and now to be able to buy everything at one time feels pretty strange.
I have go to get back to the body work soon though.
It would nice if I worked as fast as you do!

Mark

I wish I could work fast, my racetruck was started nov 06 got nothing done in 07 and put it back in the garage june 08 and still haven't got to work on it but I did get squattie on the road just not finished yet. hopefully as soon as its sold I will be able to finish the race truck and get back to work on the COE projects Ron...


you scared me when I read that you sold the 472 my first thought was Oh now hes putting a chevy in it
nice to see its a bigger badder HEMI

Yea, what Ron said, esspecially when the blue sbc is on that engine stand sitting side of the new Hemi. Keep at it. Gene

Sad thing is, I already have glasses-byfocals even! And they are not even that old. You need bigger pictures....yea, thats it BIGGER PICTURES, like the last ones. I better go back to lurking again. LOL Carry on like i didn't even say anything. Gene

try this again .my 56..440 w/chrysler 5th ave k frame