Hi Bob:
The 392 is practically a bolt in for your 57 Belevedere. The only
modifications you will have to make to the engine is the pan.
Modifications to the car will be the exhaust system and the radiator (and
possibly the heater box, depending on how good a job you do with the pan).
The engine sat higher and farther back in the Chrysler vehicles, so pan
clearance at the crossmember, and the drag link is a problem
(particuliarly on the right side of the pan for both conditions). You will
have to modify the pan to clear the crossmember at both the top and
backside of the crossmember. Depending on the condition of your motor
mounts, and the idler arm in your car, you may have to notch the pan for
the drag link on the right side (the notch Chrylser has in the pan will be
too far forward). In addition, you will have to peen a slight tunnel on
the left side of the pan for drag link clearance as well. On the 392 there
is approximately 1/8" to 1/4" clearance between the pan and the oil pump
(depending on gaskets used), so this is doable.
I would strongly suggest replacing the rubber core of your mounts. The
additional height gained by new mounts alleviates some of the pan
clearance issues. The existing torsion bars will be fine. They are more
than adaquate... you will have to readjust them for the additional weight
(about 200 lbs).
If you intend to use the original intake manifold, hood clearance with a
low profile (or original Chrysler) air cleaner is OK. I do not remember if
the Chrysler header pipes are a fit (if you want to use the original
manifolds); you may have to have them custom fitted, which is no problem.
However, headers would be much better.
I would suggest replacing the powerflite with a torqueflite for
performance reasons. This is not a must (it will bolt up), just a
suggestion.
The radiator for the 301 is a little light for the 392, especially on hot
days. A recore with a heavier core assembly (such as used in the
Chryslers) is suggested.
This a great conversion for your Plymouth, mainly because it could have
been done in 1957! If you do the swap, keep that 301. They are good
motors, and getting hard to find.
By the way, how much do they want for the 392? If you need advice before
purchase, drop me a line. I love em! There is nothing like a hemi!
Tom Noonan
Robert Hanekamp wrote:
> HI list.
> In our paper today there is 392 hemi motor for sale.
> And i am wondering if it would fit in my 57 plymouth belvedere
> I have 301 with 2 speed push button transmission right now in the car.
> Bob Hanekamp.
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