Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 1957 Chevy Bel Air 6bt P pump build

[Koobearpig]

So I know there will be tons of head shakes and traditionalist say non but I recently purchased a 1957 Bel Air 4 door wagon. I am Currently stationed in San Diego so any advice on shops I'd like to keep it near there. What I'm looking to do is hit the 500-600 rwhp and keep it a daily driver. I would like to keep it pretty low amounts of smoke. The plan is to drive this quite a bit and towards small trailer across the US and road trip.withy kids. So what I need is engine build ideas, transmission ideas and rear end gearing. Thanks for the help and ideas

 

[Wayne M.]

Good choice for engine, and yes- no reason for rolling coal.*
Def a overdrive automatic with a lock up converter.*
The stock rear may live, depending on how you drive it.*
What are your front end plans? Stock will not cut it, especially the wheel bearings IMHO.*
I don't know if it'll fit under a flat hood- it just might.*

 

[BigPapa]

Go ahead and put a dually rear end and some 1st Gen fenders on it.

 

[Koobearpig]

Yes so I was thinking about doing a manual either a 5 or six speed and a dana 90 rear end. I've taken the measurement's and there is space for it under the bel air hood. Worst case scenario I'll have to do a sump set up for the oil pan to fit it under the hood. The rear end gearing I'm looking at 3.23 so I can keep the rpm's down on the freeway. The front end I'm as far as suspension goes I will be using air ride of some sort.

 

[Koobearpig]

So here's a question maybe someone can help with. What are the different chassis lengths for 1994-1998 3/4 pick ups. I'm thinking it might be easier to just place my Bel Air body on a truck frame and then I won't have to worry about reinforcing the frame. Any idea on the lengths?

 

[BigPapa]

The frame rails are 37 3/4" wide.

Model 2500 Reg. Cab Long Bed
Box Length - 8'
Wheelbase – 135”
Track, Front - 68.6”
Track, Rear - 68”
Overall Length - 224.1”
Overall Width - 79.4”
Overall Height - 72.1”

Model 2500 Quad and Club Cab Short Bed
Box Length - 6.5'
Wheelbase – 139”
Track, Front - 68.6”
Track, Rear - 68”
Overall Length - 224.1”
Overall Width - 79.4”
Overall Height - 72.1”

Model 2500 Quad and Club Cab Long Bed
Box Length - 8'
Wheelbase – 155”
Track, Front - 68.6”
Track, Rear - 68”
Overall Length - 244.1”
Overall Width - 79.4”
Overall Height - 72.1”

 

[Koobearpig]

Awesome thanks for that I'm going to bounce that off of the Bel Air frame