Giant Big Block + Ratty 56 Chevy Wagon = PERFECTION! - Will it Fit?

Finally time to jam this wicked big block Chevy between the rails of my 1956 Chevy wagon. I settled on a tunnel rammed 454 with a 700r4 over drive transmission bolted behind it. This combination should have no trouble towing an aluminum fishing boat around. Placing a big block Chevy between the rails of a Tri Five is no easy task. We run into lots of clearance problems! The headers don't fit, the valve covers hit the fire wall, the steering contacts the oil pan...... It's going to be a fun week of making this all work.
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[@DennisMurphey]

Dude, Dude, Dude that last scene of this clip ..... speaks volumes to all of us Old and Young Hot Rodders. WOW! Tri 5 Wagon, Nasty Rat, Tunnel freakin' Ram, dual Holleys, Headers and DISC Freaking Brakes. Oh My God! You are living out all our dream machine dreams. When that baby fires we will have drinks, tears and cheers no doubt about it. I never forgot the 1st Big Block In my 64 Corvette. Fires up and my tears were likely fumes, but it was such a high! Nasty ole Rats are hard to beat. Go Gettum DDSpeed. Dennis in Virginia.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yeah its ginna be such a wicked car.

[@ndeep45]

My only thing .. get a fiberglass hood to cut up. I just have problems with cutting up old hoods.. that way you got something to go back too. But I know you got a plan ...

[@DavidMartinez-yi8kz]

Section the firewall and move back 2 or 3”. Don’t beat up the firewall. Make life a lot easier it will be a beast when your done. As usual great job Dan,

[@davidsolloway9349]

A rack fixes the oil pan clearance. I cut my firewall and cowl 2' and welded in a new panels

[@c.n.9074]

Wow two feet is a lot to cut out, got any leg room left ?

[@DMR67442]

I love the look of the factory valve covers. Always have you could always get the chrome low profile covers

[@steveduggins2063]

cmon dan, hot rodding is making it fit, never easy, or else, everybody has that, glad to see you, not give up!!!, keep up that fab vibe, love the build so far, build it your way, good job dan!!!

[@gdfitzgibbon]

Use power steering pitman arm and idler arm, it pushes the center link forward towards the crossmember/away from the oil pan.

[@rwruther]

"The motor has to go where the motor has to go." But, It aint over till its over! Deep philosophical statements to ponder... then, just beat on it till it fits!

[@TheXopony]

I think the word he used was Bash.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha yeah

[@waynegouin939]

Hi Dan. You know, I was thinking, maybe put a power rack in it. Forward of the cross member. Flip spindles, side to side.Make room for the Rear sump pan. But you got this. Maybe on a future project. When you going to build a FORD?! Be sweet to have a power rack in that big heavy wagon, with that BIG BLOCK.

[@StreetTruckGarage]

FORD yes...

[@paulmorris273]

You are making it work Dan . Don't make unnecessary work , paint the stock valve covers Flat black, they look better anyway

[@GrindhousePerformance]

Loving this wagon, that thing's a monster haha!

[@pauldulworth2768]

Man, perseverance must be your middle name. Well done. Also, you’ve got the heart of a teacher, meaning you’re explaining everything well as you discover obstacles and overcome them.

[@kennethdavis278]

His father is a retired teacher Mur

[@peterabdou2352]

Dude you're who I want to be when I grow up. I believe I'm at least 10 years older than you. You're the man! Keep up the awesome work

[@franksgarage8551]

So why do i wake up at 4:30 or 5:00? To watch youtube! My big nasty air hammer with a bumping fitting on it moves sheet metal in a hurry! Careful positioning and a rap and its moving or tearing. Do appreciate all the work, and no drama. To put up a video like this will certainly help others in the future!

[@01AceAlpha]

I know your happy when in the beginning of the video you’re willing to hang your hat on it!

[@Carl09of09]

It's gonna be a beast!

[@russupsidedowntopbottom955]

that looked like a blast to stuff down in there. great job

[@alanstackhouse2939]

Glad to see you found your shoe horn..Looks great in the rails.Waiting on the rumble.🤗

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha

[@widowmaker4618]

they make a firewall insert to put a big block in those cars not hard to install and makes clearance around valve covers and back of engine

[@corvettejohn4507]

Or you can splice in part of a '58 Chevy firewall.

[@danpoole9327]

Or a wheelbarrow tub

[@lewisquick8394]

That hurst mount must be the one we have

[@wreckedrebuild2142]

Love the big blocks with the tunnel ram intake! Sweet 56 wagon really starting to take shape! Rock on Dan!👍😀👀

[@marygarner5249]

Love that car WAGONS are in BIG Time Love Your VIDEOS

[@bigospig]

Canada's best youtube channel! I love watching your work, Dan and I love Queen D's positive attitude.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks!

[@lessharratt8719]

When a quarter of an inch means everything. Looking Awesome.

[@codyvannote8466]

There's a decent engine leveler on Amazon for like $25. Makes things alot easier. Great video as always!

[@JAWSatBCPerformance]

Good on you dan for showing the process. If I cant find how to do it I make a video so its out there. Well done!!!

[@Kregg63]

product placement A+

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha

[@krynzedel1789]

Perfect! Hooked on watching your projects.... watching from Victoria, B.C. Been to Cuba a couple of times with our band and it's a haven for tri-5s. They've had to get really creative with the engines...mostly converted to diesel out of necessity. No big blocks! They would be amazed with your work and how easily you can find most parts. Anyway, Cuba should be on your bucket list - warm weather and block to block 50's cars... heaven! Gotta luv the rum too. Thanks for sharing!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@MIKEH.777]

Great job and I love how you explain everything and show everything you're explaining great channel my friend great work God Bless you and your family

[@pstreetgarage7304]

That big block looks sick !! Well done.

[@CountryBoyGasGarage]

Nothing better than a big block Chevy! 🤘

[@DDSpeedShop]

Titally agree

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Oh yea, nothing better then a "tight fit"..................... 👍👍👍👍👍

[@rsear1955]

I put a 396 Big Block in my 57 back in the late 80's. I don't remember what headers we used but they fit no problem. We really only had one firewall problem with the passenger side valve cover and we just massaged it with a 9 pound Tanya Harding (LOL). I had a 2 speed reverse valve body glide behind it with a 2800 stall converter with 4.88 gear in the back. it pulled 12.75 sec at 98mph with street L78 15 street tires Man I loved that car. Wish I never sold it.

[@howardkoster4026]

Yes Dan, sometimes walking away can give us time to clear our minds and see the problem in a different way. You have the engine fitment under control. You have to massage the firewall a smidge...Careful...

[@robertgregory6315]

Dan, It looks like you have the installation under control, the next one you should be able to do it blindfolded.

[@rodneybrown1696]

Smashy, smashy..I want to see the nice valve covers in it!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Same haha

[@catman19]

Dan,,,put a rack in it, get rid of that ugly box & fix ur problems. Plus u can go with tilt colum. Cheers

[@pistonbroke]

Looking good. I'd be getting rid of the prehistoric steering and putting a rack in there.

[@dancerjim]

You are very skilled and don't give yourself enough credit. You say a lot of negative things about yourself, like, "I'm not sure if it's right" and "we'll see what happens", etc. Don't do that. Keep positive thoughts about yourself. I'd love to see you in a highly equipped with a nice budget to build a show winning quality car. Keep having fun!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yeah I like to have a good time

[@my357mags]

Look at that big block sitting in there! Those two were meant to be together! Looking good Dan! Can't wait for the next video! Thumbs up!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yeah its a good look haha

[@captainlandyacht1328]

So I still think the BB is a boat anchor, but this install is why I came to your channel. Just like the 2 door conversation I'm learning. Keep up the great work.

[@kitt7219]

Your channel and VGG are my two favorites and I always look forward to the next vidya. To the DD's I say TY!

[@rogerwachal3718]

Your not a Idiot , by no means . looking good Dan . What you need is a pair of chrome stock BB valve covers like on the 70's Chevelles

[@BillHilly169]

Enjoyed it as always. I’m excited to see how this one is going to turn out.

[@goldenwheeledbanshee9160]

Dang this is going 2 rock! Love everything about it.

[@leedavis3736]

I think the reason I enjoy your show so much is because it’s not some Crazy sponsored unachievable bs. You’re an everyday guy with a passion for cars. Best formula ever! Looking forward to seeing the end result. BTW Not even done yet and already lookin mean! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yeah. I'm just like everyone else man

[@donbearden1953]

So much work to put a bb in a trifive when a strong sb would slide right in! If a bb is what you want and you’re willing to do the work then I say go for it!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yup. Big blocks just look so cool

[@donbearden1953]

@@DDSpeedShop Dan, I love them too! I owned a 67ss chevelle bb and a 69ss Camaro it was a sb and I built a bb myself and swapped it out! The dumb thing was I sold both.

[@jonlennon3348]

Check" Ecklers Classic Chevy" for the kit to install your big block .It moves the engine 2 1/4 inches forward etc so big valve covers is no longer an issue. Part# 57132056-1 kit.

[@garyburgess3829]

Glad to know this also

[@oldfashionhotrods]

I used this kit in my big block 55..works great. I had to cut oil pan and make a driver side header. But i had to use tall valve covers.

[@dennisbrown2571]

Great job problem solving. Sometimes just stepping away for awhile helps calm the mind and new solutions are realized.

[@williamroberts4049]

That's like when I was 18 and trued putting a 1965 oldsmobile 425 auto in my 55 F 100 just think of the memory's you will have now 👍

[@01trsmar]

Chevy&Geo had the 425 ...Oldsmobile never had a 425,they had a 396,454 ..Canada sold lots of 1967 Geo Chevelle's had a 425 in Canada!

[@williamroberts4049]

@@01trsmar you need to Google it what does it say

[@glinester]

Chrome never gets you home, and beauty is function. You can always powder coat the stock covers and save a couple hours fighting.

[@tjeffjenkins6226]

Oh Man, I was screaming "grind the steering box first!"...good vid.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Hahs I got to it

[@bwsgarage]

Nice explanation on BBC install Dan. I can't wait for the mini videos step by step. Love the timing of your releases, makes the work day a little happier. Heads up if you ever do a straight axle, when you cut of the front frame and make one from box steel, most of those clearance issues disappear. He who welds can make everything whatever they want! And you weld! Haha

[@01trsmar]

What!!!! he explained a Big Black C*ck ?

[@DDSpeedShop]

Hags yeah. Straight axle would be about the same work

[@tompena7487]

I like the way u adjust the fire wall and headers awesome from an old man

[@allenbeaulieu7077]

Big block looks bad ass sitting in the car Dan. Hell of a job squeezing it in there. No picnic, and she sure looks fine! Big Al.

[@DDSpeedShop]

All about the looks haha

[@earljames7095]

This is fabulous grass roots Hot Rodding Love this stuff

[@thevinylcollector3472]

Sweet looking motor Dan love the build

[@diggerspeedshop80]

New video right as i go on break! Perfect!!

[@rsprockets7846]

A snow storm here vsweet!

[@vet-7174]

Snowing here too!!

[@MrLangleylad]

Progress ! Hooking up that trans TV cable is going to be a PITA !

[@lewistaylorjr.6139]

Dan. With that Blower motor .get a engine plate and transmission plate that way you can move motor back and forth

[@scottmiller9821]

I enjoy watching you doing the tri-5 stuff

[@tedporter4975]

Well, you're getting around. Gasser Nation on fb just invited their followers to check out your channel. All brought on by the '55 plow rig. Comment section exploded, as well as a few heads. hahahaha ! Awesome.

[@jc-garage]

East Coast Chevy sells a 2" and 3" drop center link for oil pan clearance (Hurst copies). We used one on a 55 we built with a 502.

[@shadetreemechanicracing22]

Thats where I am at on mine, but I'm putting a 350 in at the moment. I'm thinking 455 Pontiac later.

[@jackbaker452]

In this case since your are not useing roller rockers i would get some chrome valve covers off like a chevelle w/big(stock) block they would fit like it is and still look cool (chrome). Save the tall covers til next time

[@jlletaw1954]

I actually don't have a problem with the original valve covers...good video - very informative 👍

[@johnmcgreevy742]

Well, now you know where "stuffing 4 pounds of she-ite into a two pound bag" came from lol. I'm loving it none the less. Looking good!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha worth it

[@johnmcgreevy742]

@@DDSpeedShop You betcha it is!!! Thanks for the response!!

[@RichieCat4223]

I had two 57's with big blocks. Used standard valve covers and pan with no fitment problems. Also used full length headers on both of them. If you don't need those valve covers or oil pan you're golden. Also used front saddle mounts not the ones you want to use.

[@ANOCKS]

It's like trying to stuff 10 lb in a 5lb bag. Done right I say this wagon will be as famous as blasphemy.👍 Keep up the good work dan and I'll be watching. Don't forget getting discouraged at times is all part of the process , It's what helps you to push on

[@DDSpeedShop]

That would be sweet!

[@howardlangford8087]

Well as long as you're not using chains for the motor mounts....as long as it works it's got to be right....if it doesn't it's wrong.... LOL 👍

[@swamppy4880]

First of all,Dan you're not an idiot. You're a genius. I would be proud to wear an(American)winter hat, from D&D SS. Thanks for the video. E/I.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks buddy!

[@swamppy4880]

I'm going to be 60 yrs old,on Friday,February 12. I would be proud to wear one of your winter hat,back in the states.

[@gabrielelwell4511]

Leave the firewall alone and run the stock covers with fresh paint they look cool too! Love the car man!

[@vet-7174]

Enjoying this series 👍👍🇨🇦🇺🇸 Gotta Love the LongRoof !!

[@thegrandpumbaa]

I used a Moroso sump on the BBC in my 56. It’s quite deep but has a cut out that gives the drag link clearance. Would be quite easy to replicate for a man of your talents.... looking good as always Dan.

[@maxrensberger9856]

Yep..hot rodding 101..firewall insert best idea..but what shop doesn't gave a nice oak 2x4..best thing going when you've had your rotator cuff repaired last friday..so this best going..makes you surgen Dan..I had ortho surgeon Ed..n I'm happy with that..thanks

[@edwardammerman2179]

Get it done Dan, you can do it, your the man!!

[@marioa1272]

Dan it looks great with the big block, I think you could have built your own engine mounts and moved the engine away from the fire wall. I think that Moroso made a oil pan that cleared the center link🔧

[@crazypainter57]

looks like a few firewall mods but hey it's a big block...go for it

[@ccjensen4670]

I moved the motor mounts 3/4" forward for my L-78 in a 56 and fabricated a crossmember for the six speed. Installed a Chevelle 12 bolt with Alison ladder bars

[@mikefreigruber1098]

Nice job! She be tight in there

[@torekristoffersen176]

Sweeeeet ‘56 wagon Dan!

[@dwaynewilliams6334]

Excellent job on the install of the Big Block Engine. Keep the videos coming.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks!

[@classiccarrebuilds2771]

That looks freakin awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@Car-dx7qk]

Best channel on KZbin dan, always putting out good content, working out of a garage that the vast majority of us all have so we can relate, awesome stuff!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks aj!

[@derekrogers3426]

I learned from a dear friend that the best brake booster to use if you are running power brakes is from a chevette, it's about 6 inches in diameter. RIP Aubrey

[@bensymington5550]

❤ Your videos are awesome

[@shadetreemechanicracing22]

When your on power tour make sure to bring a tarp for your tunnel ram. You never know....

[@perotekku]

The two constants of Power Tour are rain and lineups. Wipers, window seals, defrost, and an engine that can idle without overheating are key!

[@Avonwarrior]

that car is going to be so cool you out do your self again ceep up the great work

[@mikewilliamson6797]

Raise the motor up a couple inches to clear the steering and bring it forward to help with the valve covers and carbs. Make your on mounts for that

[@lewisquick8394]

On our '55, we have a big block, headers and a muncie 4 speed The motor mount is a bracket that bolts to the block, under the water pump and is attached to plates welded to the frame. This allowed the motor to be moved forward because the firewall doesn't show the usual bashing behind the distributor. It is very close, but doesn't touch. I have always wondered if that plate was custom made or something available back in the day.

[@bobseagraves1743]

Is that the Hurst mounting plate?

[@lewisquick8394]

@@bobseagraves1743 yes, it is a copy of one from back in the 60s

[@robertweitlauf4653]

50s Ford F100 hood corners make excellent fire wall panels for pass side. i think the stock big block painted valve covers look cool.

[@leetexas3924]

Woof, man lots of engineering changes to make the big block fit. Well, you sound upbeat about it and willing to do all that's required. Why couldn't you just get the factory valve covers chromed and use them ??? God Bless (us all)

[@rroop1973]

I love the look you're going for. Great job Dan.

[@Nova.1971]

Smashie ,Smashie.....LOL it fits rather well, just think how a 2007 Trailblazer L6 would have fit!!!! LOL Love it Dan.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha

[@WVXL64]

Looks good. I would just run the factory 60s chrome valve covers. They'll fit easily, they're shiny so they look good, amd being shorter, they will make that engine look bigger and taller.

[@youtubefilmvisionary67]

Looks great!!...Tight fit for sure!...it will be a beast

[@joemccoy412]

That's like stuffing 5lb of cookies in 1lb box. But u did it- great job!

[@royrowden8956]

Looks good I modified the motor mounts when I stuffed my big block in my 57, I moved the mount 1 “ forward it worked great . Radiator mounted in the 6 cylinder position and modified the pan.

[@gdfitzgibbon]

People have been installing bbc’s in Tri fives since 1966. Find some old Hotrod magazines. Hot rod, popular hot rodding, and a bunch of others did it.

[@FireoftheGreeks]

Dude you should turn the carbs sideways and run a side linkage kit and they should clear the firewall.

[@matthewhardy5429]

Love what your doing Dan keep on inspiring me to get on my Nova with the big block. Thanx again. Love your channel.

[@glutten1386]

Great job Dan, I really appreciate they way you go more in depth for the little things solves alot of Questions!!!! Lovin the Puppy Wagon!!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yeah! It'll b sweet