58 chev- v8 conversion help

hi all, I have just arranged to swap my 72 GMC for a 58 chev, it has a blueflame 6 and later model 3 speed manual box. I'd like to get a SBC into it.
Is there a possibility I will be able to keep the existing box?
it supposed to be a 70's era 3 speed muncie, will I need a different bell housing?


here's a pic.....

 

is that a uted 58 chev?sweet. I believe it should work ok i have a v8 chev manual bell housing clutch and flywheel if you need

 

Sorry I'm not answering your question but is that a factory "Ute", never seen a 58 "El Camino" before.

 

definatley not factory, but cool as hell

 

Should be no reason why it wouldn't work.

Is that factory? I've never seen one of those before.

 

I guess I should give a history on the car.
It is actually a cut down hearse. I believe it was converted to a hearse in Adelaide from a sedan from new. A friend of mine found it in a country town in Western Australia (1000m from here) so he went there and drove it back many years ago
The roof was unfortunetly stuffed so he and another friend decided to make an 'El Camino'.
It is also factory right hand drive.
They have done a great job on it, chassis off resto/custom. Disc brakes, power steer etc.
Apart from a couple of runs in the paint the body is excellent. The rear section needs some panels made to tidy it up, and there is a good chance I will put wide whites and some 59 lancer caps on it (I havent used them on my 57 buick yet, so why not)

moon.dog, would definatelly be interested in the bell housing etc, probaly cheaper than an auto conversion by using the existing box

 

The transmission should fit the V8 bellhousing (yes, you'll need a different bellhousing, the Blue Flame 235 is quite different from the later model six and the V8s).

Be careful about the size of the center hole in the bellhousing, make sure it matches the outside diameter of the front bearing retainer on the transmission--car stuff was all the same, but Chevy trucks had bigger ones by about 1/4" starting in the late 60s.

 

That's as good as an answer gets!

Nice looking Ute!

 

'58 Chevy Ute???? I want it.

 

If you get a chance please put more pics on I am ahuge fan of 58's myself.

 

many thanks guys.
I will post some pics once I pick it up later today/tomorrow
Alan

 

You will need to change the motor mounts on the X-member to V-8.
Pay close attention to the clutch linkage and fork and ball stud for what ever bellhousing you end up with. Squirrel nailed it with the size of the bearing retainer. Make sure the transmission stays in the same mounting location on the rear X-member, so you do not have to mess with the drive shaft. The new Motor mounts should correct this placement.