Transmission / Overdrive: Distance to bellhousing

[Skybolt]

Before I put the V8 in the Lark I'm considering swapping in the transmission in behind the OHV six. I have all the parts to do this as this was the first plan until I got hold of a serviceable V8. As that V8 engine is slowly moving along and stalled at the moment I'm back to driving with the six. What I would like to know is if I mount the transmission behind the OHV six with all the V8 parts to do this and the correct truck transmission to engine plate, where will the plane of the mounting plate be in relationship to the V8 if installed later? Will I have to move it all backward or forward when it comes time for the V8 or will it just be a matter of an engine swap, with the appropriate mounts etc..? For instance, if anyone has a 61-64 Champ with a V8 that used to be a six did you have to do any more with the transmission, like mounting it further back or was it an easy swap?

[Alan]

That support plate is only .125" or so thick. It will not make much difference in mounting since the truck mounts off the flats on the backside ears of the housing. The truck bell housing will need custom mounts to fit in the Lark. Did you ever get the 2 wheels you needed for your 52 at La Palma? I found a couple more in my stash.

[Skybolt]

I'm not the person you think I am. I do not own a 52. The question is about my 59 Lark that already has an OHV six in it and I'm using only the engine to bellhousing plate from a Champ pickup. The transmission is a 4 speed and I don't want to cut a hole in the floor only to make it bigger if I have to move the transmission later. Plus if all I have to do is pull th six and drop on the 8 with no major movement of parts I will go ahead. I guess with the lack of response to the thread I will just have to get out my tape measures an ruler and do some work. Sometimes I just ask questions so I don't have to go through the motions.

[Alan]

Sky, You are right about the person but the info. on the plate is right on. The mounts in the front have slots that will take up a half inch or so front to back movement, so there is no problem with what you want to do.