I'd like to get one of those plastic mock-up motors for my 331 swap, but they are only made for the 392. I know it has a taller deck with a wider spread at the heads, but how are the front mounts? Thanks
If your going to use a 331 short bell they would be the same. 331 Extended bell I don't know? If your engine is 331 and your using a 392 plastic block the exhaust ports will be in a bit different location also.
I'm installing a '52 331 with the extended bell. It has '54 oval port heads on it (if that makes any difference) If I can get the plastic 392 to give me the setback I want with good steering box clearance (headers), I'm hoping my 331 will drop right in. My truck currently has a 455 Olds in it.
If you use a plastic 392 block for mount location/setback then you really should fabricate 'something' to attach to the back of the block to emulate the 331's extension. It would be nice to know if the extension is going to crash into something before you drop the real deal in the hole. .
Good idea. Maybe I could use some material & roll it into a cylinder shape the same size as the bell diameter of my 331. I have a ton of room in this old truck. If the front pulley clears the crossmember, I should be able to lower this engine pretty far too
I replaced a 455 in my 48 Plym with a short tail 331. Amazing how easily it went in. Just a little more fender trimming. On my set up the fuel line was in the right spot, the 3" ground strap bolted right on as did the GM power steering pump & alternator.
The 331 looks a little shorter than my 455. Did you end up with more room between the radiator compared to the Olds?
didn't some of the 1954 and later short-bell marine/industrial blocks come with an extension like that? seems like he could find one here cheap & easy by posting a want ad on the classifieds
??? Not sure what that means. It either has an extended block or it doesn't. The advantage of using the plastic piece is that it does not weigh 200 lbs. .
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