312 in a 54 Ranch Wagon


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By Richard - 15 Years Ago
Finally getting around to installing my 312 in a 54 Ranch Wagon and wonder if the column shift rods will clear the stock 57 exhaust manifolds. Transmission is a T85 OD. Other options would be Red Heads headers or will the Rams Horns work. Any advice appreciated.

Thks,

Richard
By Gerry - 15 Years Ago
I think it will clear but others will chime in, I would only say look for 55 56 neutral safty switch linkage easy to get and you will be able to use a 58 switch, it will start in park as well as neutral. Much easier to do while the motor is out and a very simple "safety up grade"
By Bob's 55 - 15 Years Ago
Gerry (2/1/2010)
I think it will clear but others will chime in, I would only say look for 55 56 neutral safty switch linkage easy to get and you will be able to use a 58 switch, it will start in park as well as neutral. Much easier to do while the motor is out and a very simple "safety up grade"




Huh??? Isn't the T-85 OD a manual?
By Hoosier Hurricane - 15 Years Ago
Richard:

I'm pretty sure the shift linkage will work OK.  The tight spot will be getting the exhaust pipe past the clutch equalizer bar (often called Z bar).  '55-'56 bars had an offset in them to clear the exhaust pipe.  That bar will fit a '54.  A guy named Paul Farley used to be on this site, he did that very swap in his '54 wagon.

By Richard - 15 Years Ago
Thank you very much, I am sure other questions will arrise as I go.

Richard
By Gerry - 15 Years Ago
Richard (2/1/2010)
Finally getting around to installing my 312 in a 54 Ranch Wagon and wonder if the column shift rods will clear the stock 57 exhaust manifolds. Transmission is a T85 OD. Other options would be Red Heads headers or will the Rams Horns work. Any advice appreciated.
Thks,
Richard

I hate being over 50, had a brain fart. sorry.  Gerry

By paul f - 15 Years Ago
Hello Richard,

The column shift linkage will work fine as long as you have the correct arms that attach at the tranny.  I believe the 312 left side manifold may interfere with the '54 equalizer bar.   I had heard about possible interference issue, so prior to dropping in the 312 I located a 55-56 equalizer that had a slight offset that clears the manifold.   I remember the tolerance being so close that I put on the smaller L side dual exhaust manifold and later switched to the '57 and later manifold.   If I remember correctly it is the tailpipe to exhaust angle that is the problem.  I may have emailable pics.  Feel free to send a PM.  The good folks on this list helped on every stage of my swaps!! 

Paul F  '54 Ranchwagon (used to be t-85) currently T-5