Crate engine for my 65 C-10

[AlexM]

Hi, Im' thinking of putting a crate 350 in to replace my worn 350. I would like to get one with the Vortec heads and a roller cam so I don't have to use special oil. So far all the ones I see like that have the oil dipstick on the passenger side. It looks like it would be a real tight fit because the heater box and fan motor are right where it comes out. One solution would be to use headers and a flexible dipstick that comes up real close to the valve cover.
What make and model of block hugger header will work in the truck without hitting the motor mount? Also, if I switch to headers I will have to get a different mount for my power steering pump. What is a good setup for use with the short water pump?
Thanks
Alex

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

I would recommend the L31 Vortec crate engine. There are several members here that have bought that engine and are quite happy. There is a current thread in the Engine and Drivetrain section about one and where is the best price to purchase. Having the dipstick on the passenger side is not an issue and is not that close to the heater.Most name brand block hugger headers should fit as well as Hedman 69260 long tubes which are made specifically for the '55-'72 trucks. You must have one of the odd '67-'72 power steering pump brackets that also bolts to one exhaust bolt. Most all of the '63-'72 power steering pump brackets do not reach up to that exhaust bolt. Of course with headers all you will need is a longer bolt and a short piece of tube to make up the difference.

[AlexM]

Thanks for both of your replies. I have looked at the L-31 and may go that route. One problem I don't like is that is has no provision for a mechanical fuel pump so I would have to add an electric pump. Mechanical pumps are more reliable.
I wonder if the heaters on 65 are bigger that other years? If the picture works, I added a white mark about where the dipstick would come up. As you cans see, the heater even overhangs part of the valve cover and the dipstick would coming up behind the center of the fan motor.
Yes, the power steering if off and early 70's truck. I would like to change the way the pump mounts even if I don't go to headers. I see various mounts online, most of which are not real clear how they work.

[Clyde65]

Any small block will work and won’t interfere with your heater. Most of us had or have SBC with a similar heater at one time or another.

As Captn said, the l31 is a lot of motor for the buck! Can’t loose there!


https://www.summitracing.com/search?...rate%20Engines

[The Rocknrod]

ATK engines have 350 4 bolt with a vortec head, roller rocker engine with a mechanical fuel pump provision. http://www.high-performance-engines....0hp-p/hp32.htm
I contacted them concerning the mechanical fuel pump usage and they did verify it.
I have read good and bad on Summit Parts feedback on them.

[ElKotze]

Here's what I like to use for the PS pump
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Small...ket-,3137.html

[AlexM]

Thanks, Does that bolt to the water pump?

[ElKotze]

Originally Posted by AlexM

Thanks, Does that bolt to the water pump?

No, bolts to the bottom of the block driver side

[Captainfab]

The reason your power steering pump is mounted like that is because you have the long water pump. All trucks '55-'72 came from the factory with short water pumps. That bracket from Speedway does not provide enough support IMO. Find either a factory power steering bracket set for a short water pump or one of the more complete bracket set from someone such as Alan Grove Components.

[AlexM]

I'm pretty sure this is the short water pump. What do you think?

[andyh1956]

Alex are you planning to change to the short water pump?
If you do you're gonna need a whole new set of pulleys & brackets.

[AlexM]

I already have the short water pump. Right now the power steering pump is driven off the grove closest to the engine. The outer grove is vacant and the alternator and water pump are driven by a pulley bolted to the vibration damper.

[LostMy65]

Mine is really close to the block. Mine is a short.

[geezer#99]

It’s a long water pump.
Two ways to tell.
1. On a long pump you can stick your fingers between the pump and timing cover. Short pump has about 1/4 inch gap.
2. Alternator won’t bolt on the passenger side on a short pump.

[C10matt]

^thats correct

[AlexM]

Thanks, I also found this web page and checked the measurements and it is the long one.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/the-t...ter-pump/28860

[AlexM]

I see all kinds of bracket at Jeggs. Some with good ratings, but only rated by one person.
This one looks like it has support in front and back of the pump. I wish they would show a picture of these things installed.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/60706/10002/-1

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/60702/10002/-1

[geezer#99]

For the money, better brackets here.
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/S..._Long_Pump.htm

[AlexM]

Thanks,
402L looks like the one to use. I will do that even if I don't use headers. Much neater than what I have now.

[AlexM]

Does anyone have a picture of a 65 or other year with the same heater and the oil dipstick on the passenger side?
Thanks

[wahl4m]

i bought a zz-4 from chevy for mine -had 0 problems -it came w/ a roller cam ! BUT THAT MOTOR IS DIS CONTINUED & IS REPLACED BY THE ZZ5 ? a little more horsepower & money ! i think buying one from chevrolet -is the way to go -warranty & parts availability!

[AlexM]

What year do you have it in?

[AlexM]

What shorty headers will fit this year? The support for the motor mounts comes up to the frame right near the exhaust and looks like it would interfere with some headers.

[vince1]

For those that want to rebuild their own check this out. A complete rebuild kit for a 350 for less than $250 at Northern auto parts.

http://www.northernautoparts.com/pag...eid=bb01a71bfc