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Ever since that first hot rodder dumped his Model A’s four-banger for a flathead V8, engine swaps have been a proven way to get the extra horsepower we all crave. Some swaps are no-brainers, particularly when you are swapping an engine for one of the same type—a 347 cubic inch stroker for a stock 5.0L in a Mustang—or going to a bigger engine in a chassis designed to accept it (like a big block in a small block-equipped Chevelle or Camaro).

But if you want to do an engine swap that is off the beaten path, it’s time to break out the ruler and start measuring. To help you determine if your favorite powerplant will fit, we have engine specification charts for popular Chevy, Ford, and Chrysler V8 engines. The charts will give you overall height, length and width of a fully dressed engine (oil pan, intake and carburetor, front accessory drives, exhaust). These measurements are general, and can vary depending on what equipment you or the factory installed.

There are also engine swap kits for putting non-stock engines into popular body styles—big blocks into 1955-57 Chevys or small blocks into Jeep CJs, for example. The kits usually include things like motor mounts and headers designed to provide clearance of the vehicle frame, steering shafts, and the like.

Since there’s more to engine swaps than just squeezing the engine under the hood, we also cooked up a list of things to measure and check for to help you perform a successful horsepower transplant:

• Always check measurements with all engine accessories installed. That will help prevent catastrophes like bolting in an engine and finding you have a half-inch of radiator clearance.
• Select the engine mounting method (rubber mounts, solid mounts, motor plate, etc.) before installation. The mounts used can affect clearances, especially height.
• Double-check—make that triple-check—hood clearance, firewall clearance, and fan-to-radiator clearance.
• Make sure driveline angle is correct. You may have to adjust engine location in the car to get the proper angle.

Engine Measurements

Chevrolet 262-400

Dimensions: 26 inches wide, 28 inches long, and 27 inches tall
Weight: 575 pounds
Sump Location: Rear
Starter Location: Right

Chevrolet 396-454

Dimensions: 28 inches wide, 30.5 inches long, and 29 inches tall
Weight: 685 pounds
Sump Location: Rear
Starter Location: Right

GM LS1/LS6

Width: 26 inches wide
Length: 28 inches
Height: 25 inches
Weight: 425 pounds

Ford 221-351W

Dimensions: 24 inches wide, 29 inches long, and 27.5 inches tall
Weight: 460 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Left
NOTES: 351W height to carburetor pad in 23-3/4 inches. 289-302 height to top of pad is 20-3/4 inches. Length for all 221-351W Ford is with short serpentine water pump.

Ford 351C

Dimensions: 24.5 inches wide, 29 inches long, and 28.5 tall
Weight: 550 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right

Ford 429-460

Dimensions: 27 inches wide, 30 inches long, and 29 inches tall
Weight: 720 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right
NOTE: Does not cover Boss 429.

Ford 352-427FE

Dimensions: 27 inches wide, 32 inches long, and 29 inches tall
Weight: 625 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right
NOTE: Does not cover 427 SOHC.

Ford 4.6L SOHC

Dimensions: 28-5/8 inches wide, 28 inches long, and 26 inches tall
Weight: 600 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right
NOTE: Width is valve cover to valve cover. Height is to top of valve covers.

Ford 4.6L DOHC

Dimensions: 30 inches wide, 28 inches long, and 29-7/8 inches tall
Weight: 576 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right
NOTE: Width is valve cover to valve cover. Height is to top of valve covers.

Chrysler 273-360

Dimensions: 24 inches wide, 29 inches long, and 27 inches tall
Weight: 550 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Left

Chrysler 361-440

Dimensions: 29-1/2 inches wide, 30 inches long, and 29 inches tall
Weight: 670 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Left

Chrysler 426 HEMI

Dimensions: 29 inches wide, 32 inches long, and 32 inches tall
Weight: 690 pounds
Sump Location: Middle
Starter Location: Left