Eric,
The 55-57 Subs could be had with a 265 V8; the 58-59 Subs could be had with
a 283 V8. . .just like the pickups.
The 283 did come out in 57 for the sedans and vettes but wasn't used in the
1/2 ton trucks till 58 (don't know about the big trucks). My 58 suburban is
an original 283 truck.
So the 2wd Suburbans definitely had V8's as an option; what was apparently
not available was the V8 in combination with the NAPCO drivetrain on the
Chevy. GMC did offer a V8/NAPCO setup for the same years, so it was possible
that someone had the NAPCO conversion done at the dealer on a V8 Chevy. .
.Suburban or otherwise.
Are you maybe reading NAPCO info and assuming that it applies in general?
BTW--I know of one 57 Cameo pickup in Atlanta that has dealer paperwork to
prove that it's Corvette dual quad V8 was installed by the dealer when it was
bought new. . . and I've heard rumors of two Cameo NAPCO pickups, though I'm
skeptical that those are "real". But the point is that in those days, a
dealer would do whatever to make a sale.
Mark Noakes
58/56 Suburban original V8 with recent setup for 3sp OD
looking to do a NAPCO conversion sooner or later
Knoxville, TN
In a message dated 12/7/99 3:13:40 PM, you wrote:
<<Hi gang:
perhaps I am just obtuse but I find myself asking this same question
over and over again.
I know of at least 1 1957 Chevy Suburban with a V8 and
accompanying V8 vin#, V8 riveted motor mounts and V8 radiator. I
also know of a 1955 Chev Suburban with supposedly the same thing.
My question is thus:
if only the larger trucks for 57 - 1.5ton+ - could be ordered with the 283
(according to my literature), then how is it that this 57 CHEV Sub has a
V8 vin#.
I don't doubt that Joe Shmo could order his 57 chev suburban and
have a V8 installed, after it was delivered, by the dealership. But the
dealership would not change the VIN# nor would they rivet the V8
motor mounts.
If they WOULD rivet the motor mounts, then why wouldn't they rivet
the napco powrpack Tcase/frame cross member and shifter bracket? -
these were bolted on pre mid 57 napco trucks.
Latly, I know that 55-59 GMC Suburbans could be ordered from the
factory with V8 Pontiac motors. But every piece of info I have says
that the 55-59 CHEV Suburbans could only be ordered with a 235. So,
if a guy wanted that 265 or 283 for 55-59, it seems that he would have
to have the dealer install it.
One list member said that these 2 subs mentioned above were
powrpack conversions. OK - that makes sense on pre mid 57 napco
subs. But, as far as I know - a powrpack conversion did not include a
V8 upgrade so this is a moot point. Unless I am wrong - which I could
very well be.
Please advise.
Eric Pesci>>
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