Frame work, advise

I am putting a small block with some work, 400hp into an Econoline. The open frame has me wondering if it will handle the torque of a V8.

Has anyone either boxed this frame, added support or went with the stock frame? Any problems? Advise?

Thx

Donn

As long as you use the steel 65-67 crossmember you'll be fine.

Tim,
I got one of Vic's crossmembers, it looks real strong, no worries with that.
I just look at the frame and it scares me. I took the entire floor out and was surprised to see the original frame was not boxed and appears real flimsy, especially for a truck. I think it will be ok for now but once I get a possi and some tracktion, it looks like it will not handle it.
The new truck you have has just the original frame? No rienforcement?

the 'frame' is a U channel and the floor is the final side that boxes it.
Unless you build a complete frame and engineer a way to attach it to the body, or double up on it (add another U channel over the original) there isn't much that can add strength.

Donn, I know of many,many V8 Econos that use just the crossmember with no problems at all. My new truck is pushin 600 horse with no frame reinforcements.