2004 Dec
Mark,

I have put a chevy in three early cars.  I also have had an 83 and currently
have a 84 and 85, all chevys.  I was able to put a small block in the early
cars using the motor mounts from a late model lark.  I didn't use anything
but a stock low rise intake and have never had to cut the hood to get
clearance.  The fan is a different story, but solved that with electric fans
ala 85 Avanti.  The loss of about 150 lbs with the chevy caused the front
end to sit higher, which I solved by cutting the springs.  I'm sure there is
a better solution, as that caused the bottom arm snubber to hit when
encountering pot holes.  There isn't anything particularly tricky in getting
the chevy to fit, although hood clearance for an air cleaner is limited.

The Neuman/Altlman and Blake cars used spacers to raise the body off the
frame, I believe about 3 in. @ the cowl mount and 4 in. @ the radiator core
support.  This provided clearance, but caused the front end to sit high and
thus the need for the fender inserts.
------------
When you say "late model", are you referring to the Larks with Chev engines 
or "64 or so with Stud V8's?

--------------