Just a wild guess, but could Max Balchowsky have done engine swap?
He built and drove the famous Old Yeller cars. He was famous for engine swaps and transmissions, too. He put Chevrolet four speeds in exotic Italian sports cars during the 1950's.
The History of Old Yeller 2 - Famous Race Car. This is just a little bit of Max and his wife.
Carroll Shelby actually drove Old Yeller in a race and Max set up Hollywood cars for movies like "Bullitt."