LUVTruck.com

the E-brake braket in the engine bay with the white plastic wheel, is it going to be in the way when I install the v8?

According to the Hooker mount kit instructions, it needs to be relocated up higher along with the e-brake lever assy. Or you can build a custom lever setup on the driveline tunnel between a pair of bucket seats.

Some have gotten away with using the stock e-brake assy as is. Most of these builds aren't using the Hooker mounts. So the motor might not sit exactly the same in the frame. Clearance for headers and harmonic balancer/pulley might be compromised.
You can decide which way you want to go when you test fit the motor.

_________________
Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

I had to cut mine off to fit the motor.

_________________
Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

With my V-6, I had to take the wheel off, I did away with my Ebrake all together anyway as I dont really need it with the auto tranny. I have seen people that took the wheel off and just left the bolt and shortened the cable a little.

_________________
Click on C.M. logo to go to my webpage


RIP R.J.B.

I used a Pinto leaver and mounted it on the tunnel

_________________
1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

we took the ebrake out of all the swaps ive done. dont need it with an auto tranny.

_________________
"but its that gut feeling of you're drawn to what feels right for yourself and what you're passionate about..."

Maybe not for parking, but what about when your service brakes fail while your going down the street?

_________________
OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

In Texas, it's mandatory to have an e-brake. It's checked when you have to get a yearly inspection. It has to hold the vehicle still while in drive. And it has to hold with a touch of throttle.
It's the only time it ever gets used. I always have to test it out beforehand. I hate getting dinged for stupid shit that i overlooked.

_________________
Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

Im thinking thats not so clever.


I saw once that you pull the wheel out and redrill the hole to put the wheel in as close to the firewall as it will go. Then trim the bracket off.

Might work, might not. I think i saw it in an old chevvy magazie i bought at a swap meet.

Bob.

_________________
Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

i used the lever and cables out of an old Honda accord or civic and mounted it between the buckets on driveshaft tunnel. its all been disconnected for a while esp since my truck is all torn down now but I didnt want to mess with trying to retain the stock setup and it was much easier to just swap the parts from the donor honda. it works great. I think you can a nicer looking ratchet handle out of Jegs or Summit for an ok price.

_________________
1978 LUV Truck 2WD
450 "Small Block" Chevy
3.70 Ford 9
28x10 Goodyears

I got my lever from an old Chevette. I first used the stock cable assy that attached at the drums. But when i upgraded to the Ford 9", i opted to go with new Lokar cables. Having the lever on the hump is a pretty good system. I really dont notice it unless i need it.
For me, it seemed to be a lot of work for something i hardy ever use.

_________________
Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

You got an auto i take it.

No offence to you but others have also mentioned not needing or using a park/e brake with an auto trans.


I think those of that opinion would be well served to delve into the bits and peices in an auto box, some are designed better than others and most arent very strong the park mechanisim. None are designed to slow a car when your service brakes crap out.


Havent any of you blokes heard of a hand brake turn????? Mounted on the trans tunnel makes this easy as to do.

Bob.

_________________
Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

Yes, we do see the merits of having a hand brake. But in this particular arena (V-6/V-8 with TH350 conversions) an emergency brake would be concidered an "add on" feature that isn't quite necessary.
The TH350 trans has a solid "park paw" were having rolling issues are almost non-exsistant. If there were Ford conversions of somekind, this would be a cronic issue to say the least.
If a manual trans conversion was the plan, i would say it's mandatory.

Hand brake turns are really fun! I used to do that with the stock setup i had. But once one goes to a V-8 conversion, the perception of the truck changes drasticly. The trade off of being able to do certian tricks is massive straightline power. The weight balance of the truck changes and the focus of getting the rear of the truck to stick power to the ground is the priority.

I myself have even foregone the concept of having a functional heater in my truck. A heater doesn't make the truck any faster or run smoother.

_________________
Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.