graygun
Hunter
Truck has a 250 and TH-350 transmission. To put a 350 (not considering a big block),what is needed,mechanically,besides engine mounts?
6 to 8 in '81 C-10
- Thread starter graygun
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Bigger radiator/oil cooler maybe?graygun said:
Bull Barrel
Hunter
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Bigger gas tank fo sho.
DGW1949
Hawkeye
To start with, you'll need the appropriate V-8 radiator and mounts, radiator shroud, throttle/trans cables, exhaust, tranny cooler lines and fuel line. Possibly your existing frame brackets for the engine mounts will work (or can be made to work), but I doubt it. If not, you'll need those too. Also bear in mind that it's going to require a different set up in terms of hoses, harness, and brackets for the heater, A/C, P/S, and alternator.
Plus, somewhere in my foggy brain, I seem to remember that the strait-6 and 350 V-8 uses different torque converters, so I'd be prepared for that. Regardless of whether I'm right about that though...any time we're swapping engines, it's a dern-good idea to replace the front tranny seal while the original engine is out.
Hope this helps.
DGW
Plus, somewhere in my foggy brain, I seem to remember that the strait-6 and 350 V-8 uses different torque converters, so I'd be prepared for that. Regardless of whether I'm right about that though...any time we're swapping engines, it's a dern-good idea to replace the front tranny seal while the original engine is out.
Hope this helps.
DGW
bogus bill
Hunter
Sounds far easier and maybe cheaper to sell what you have and buy what you want unless you are a gear-head and doing it as a hobby and a labor of love.
historicfirearms
Bearcat
That straight six is a nice motor. Maybe you should keep it. Of course I've done my share of motor swaps so I'd understand if you really want it. Parts for a swap should be easy enough to hunt down.
57springer
Buckeye
2 or 4 wd ? Front suspension is heavier on the v8 springs etc .
Post of the week!graygun said:
2sheriffs
Single-Sixer
If you live in desert climates, the 250 six came with a a heavy duty radiator that were also listed for 305's and 350's I bought my 83 250 new in Las Vegas, but if you live in a hot climate you might have to go to a bigger radiator. I am looking for a 350 to put in my 83. They list the same motor mounts for the small block, but they have to be bolted to a higher place in the cross member. Looks like the holes a are drilled for that, but I would put new rubber mounts in it. You have to use a back drop exhaust manifold as the center dumps won't clear the cross member. I think I will try the radiator that is in mine and put a 16" electric fan on one corner on top of the radiator and one on the bottom in the other corner. One will be mounted to push in the front side and one will pull on the back side. That's the only way two 16" will fit. Have fun and I think a nice 81 would be worth putting a bigger motor in. Speedwaymotors.com list the 16" fans for about $50.00 each. Part number 910-158-16. Each moves the air through at about 1800 CFM.
Ron
Ron
ProfessorWes
Hawkeye
Might one of the big performance-parts outfits like Summit Racing have a parts kit for such a swap? It's worth a search, I'd think . . .
Everybody has most of the swap covered, but one thing not mentioned was exhaust. That will require a pretty big change. Just had an 86 K10 done & I was pleased at the $300 price tag from the small town shop, would have 5-$600 at a franchise. The rest of the parts are simple replacement parts, available at any auto parts store. One desirable feature of the older Chevy's, is parts interchangeability. A big block, 427, 454, 502, etc. can go in as easy as the 350.
Something else to consider. A 36 year old truck has got to be getting a bit tired, not just the engine. The trans & rear end are equally tired, the install of a fresh 350 might/will show weaknesses down the line. After a 350 swap, be prepared for future failures in the driveline.
Something else to consider. A 36 year old truck has got to be getting a bit tired, not just the engine. The trans & rear end are equally tired, the install of a fresh 350 might/will show weaknesses down the line. After a 350 swap, be prepared for future failures in the driveline.
mohavesam
Hawkeye
The basic 350 V8 weighs more than 250 lbs more than the straight 6 (aluminum components excluded). I'd look at springs, bushings, shocks and the brake system before trying to stop the little C10 with any urgency. I've torqued the frame in a C10 once just by re-acquiring dry pavement after a slip on a frozen bridge. Windows leaked after that...
mohavesam said:
This pig has already been to a frame shop. :roll: :lol:
I bought this for $750 thinking "what a bargain". It's fun making it better...sort of.
A 4.8 is better than a 350 (cheap too as many are pulled for 6.0 replacements) but it's injected,so a very different system and I was trying for overall simplicity of maintenance.
HerrMesser
Single-Sixer
I did this swap back in 1981 in a 74 K5 Blazer. Motor mounts will bolt up. Mine was 4 speed and the 6 cyl clutch was only 11" and a 12" would have been better. Just got a shroud for fan on rad put tube headers on it. Need to change the throttle cable and would make it a lot easier if you get a wiring harness for the v8.
Rad
Rad
