v8 swap?

[smallblock kid]

So my plans may have gotten change slightly than originaly planned when i started this project the plan was to put 4x4 under this truck and its not come along as fast as i had hoped so im tired of it sitting there with the straight six that really needs to be rebuilt again soo i wanna know how hard it would be to put a v8 in there i have a 4spd right now behind it and if i swap a v8 in the rest of the drivetrain will stay unless i can get ahold of some higher gears or a rearend with higher gears cuz it could really use em its got i think 4.10s right now but i was really hoping somebody could tell me how simple this would or wouldnt be to do

[Captainfab]

A small block V8 will drop right in there.....don't even have to move the motor mount brackets, or change the bellhousing. You will likely need to upgrade the radiator, unless your truck already has the bigger V8 typical radiator.

Originally Posted by smallblock kid

So my plans may have gotten change slightly than originaly planned when i started this project the plan was to put 4x4 under this truck and its not come along as fast as i had hoped so im tired of it sitting there with the straight six that really needs to be rebuilt again soo i wanna know how hard it would be to put a v8 in there i have a 4spd right now behind it and if i swap a v8 in the rest of the drivetrain will stay unless i can get ahold of some higher gears or a rearend with higher gears cuz it could really use em its got i think 4.10s right now but i was really hoping somebody could tell me how simple this would or wouldnt be to do

[apachedaddy]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

A small block V8 will drop right in there.....don't even have to move the motor mount brackets, or change the bellhousing. You will likely need to upgrade the radiator, unless your truck already has the bigger V8 typical radiator.

Unless it has the 292 motor mounts, I think it's the passenger side one that would have to be replaced to drop in the v8. Other than that it would all bolt up. I still have the I6 radiator in mine, 350/350 combo with no cooling issues.

[smallblock kid]

i honestly have no clue what kind of radiator i have it doesnt belong i know that i had to kinda make my own way to bolt it in we kinda thought it came from a car but not sure ill take some pics ive had problems with it leaking when i first got it but i sodered where it was leaking

[Clyde65]

Stick a GEN IV in it!

[NCD1966]

i had a 250 6 banger in mine and dropped a mild 305 in. I used the 6 cylinder radiator and it keep cool for about 3 years untill the old radiator just was shot. I have a custom build 4 core a local shop made for me.

[Russ65C10]

I had a 66 with the 250 six in it it had the same larger radiator as the v8s. You should be good.

[NCD1966]

Originally Posted by Russ65C10

I had a 66 with the 250 six in it it had the same larger radiator as the v8s. You should be good.

actually the inline 6 radiator is the same one the V8s come with. Been a while since I was in the auto parts business

[Captainfab]

I'd have to disagree with that. There are 2 different size radiators for the '63-'66 trucks. This is in addition to the 2,3 or 4 core size designations.

Originally Posted by NCD1966

actually the inline 6 radiator is the same one the V8s come with. Been a while since I was in the auto parts business

[Vernski]

Yeah I agree with the Capt the I6 radiator is narrower than the V8 unless it had the V8 and someone put a I6 behind it. Both my 65 GMC and the 63 Chev with the 250 have the small radiator. You can try to see if it will handle it but why chance overheating a V8 if you have some bucks into the motor? Personally I would rather be safe than sorry if it's a new engine....Vernski

[smallblock kid]

mk soo the radiator is a wider than the ones ive seen in other trucks with staight sixs and it seems pretty thick too so im pretty sure its one from a v8 but right now its looking like ill be putting a 327 in it for the motor

[smallblock kid]

Ill take some pics of the radiator and see what u guys think i know its not an original radiator when i bought the truck it was buggie cord and bailing wired in so i had to kinda make my own mounts for it and it worked out alright i havent ever had a problem with over heating and ive really pushed that motor a lil more than i should have and thats y i need to rebuild the head again