Big Block engine swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kissingbug1978 · 10-24-2008, 12:54 AM

How hard is to swap a big block into these trucks. I know that I've seen it before. But just don't know what kind of mounts to use or where to locate them on the frame. And anything else that might be involved. Or potentail headaches.

d10s69c10 · 10-24-2008, 01:06 AM

Beauty of chevy a 4.6 and a 9.3 will fit in the same mounts just about.

simply put no its not that hard if you have a complete motor to drop in.

"common" issues will be radiator Exhaust front springs.

really depends on how stout of a engine you are throwing in, but everything from the back of your crankshaft to your wheel studs could also factor in.

for those who are guessinga 9.3 is a 572. whats a 10.3?

kissingbug1978 · 10-24-2008, 01:43 AM

The engine I'm currently looking at is a 396 with stock internals and the usual bolt-ons(intake,carb, headers and a decent cam). I'm not looking to get to crazy here as my truck is planned to be a daily driver with an automatic overdrive tranny. I guess the question I was trying to ask is, Is it just a matter of changing the mounts and dropping in the engine. Or is it more involved?

leftcoast66 · 10-24-2008, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kissingbug1978

The engine I'm currently looking at is a 396 with stock internals and the usual bolt-ons(intake,carb, headers and a decent cam). I'm not looking to get to crazy here as my truck is planned to be a daily driver with an automatic overdrive tranny. I guess the question I was trying to ask is, Is it just a matter of changing the mounts and dropping in the engine. Or is it more involved?

Basically is just like swapping smallblocks. Very simple in these trucks. I believe ece or one of those places has some big block mounts, and then the radiator I'm not sure about, but you get the picture. Its simple.

**ChiefRocka** · 10-24-2008, 06:58 AM

Check with CHEVYFLEETSIDE....he is currently working on one on his back-burner.....

kissingbug1978 · 10-24-2008, 08:39 AM

thanks for the info as I've not been able to find it anywhere else on the net.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 10-24-2008, 10:27 AM

Here is my thread so far. You don't have to go as far as cutting the firewall. That was a personal choice. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259536

BRASSHEAD · 10-24-2008, 12:38 PM

I have a 402 in mine. I cut the fire wall, made the cut out wider and deeper. I also trimmed the frame about 3/4 of an inch and modified my motor mounts to clear the manifolds.

steverino66 · 10-24-2008, 01:38 PM

Here's my 454.
I had to get some 68-72 big block frame mount towers to fit the header on the driver side (#2 tube was hitting the small block tower).
I mounted mine on the forward holes on the frame rails to clear the firewall with teh valve covers. I'll have to have a driveshaft cut to fit. Requires some patience, but it can be done.

BRASSHEAD · 10-24-2008, 03:24 PM

Sorry about the picture still learning.

joeys66pickup · 10-24-2008, 03:41 PM

10.3 is a 632ci? i might be wrong but im sure 604ish is about 10L so somewhere in there (im probably wrong but im only 19 so i usually am

)

d10s69c10 · 10-24-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeys66pickup

10.3 is a 632ci? i might be wrong but im sure 604ish is about 10L so somewhere in there (im probably wrong but im only 19 so i usually am

)

Got it!

502tripower · 10-25-2008, 11:01 AM

Here is my 502. If you use the 73' up motor mounts Its a drop in. You may have to re-drill the top of the frame rail. I had to massage the passenger side fire wall a tiny bit. Also by using the 73' up mounts you can then buy headers for those models that fit much better. Good luck.

protrash64 · 10-25-2008, 11:51 AM

I would follow 502's route unless you know of a 67-72 to get BB parts out of. I had everything to do this and ended up not doing it; maybe I should have as I wasted alot of $$$$. (Im usually good at sticking to my plans

)

Pulling the engine forward also gives you alot of clearance BB or SB in these trucks. I dont see many people do it on here, however. Should not be super difficult to get it done if this is your plan. good luck

BRASSHEAD · 10-25-2008, 01:23 PM

If you want to run tall valve covers you will need to cut your fire wall or move the motor forward.I did not move mine so I would have room for a fan,plus I like the smoothed and recessed firewall.I have been thinking of trying the short style headers for chevelles.Ground clearance is an issue for me.

**Captainfab** · 10-25-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by protrash64

Pulling the engine forward also gives you alot of clearance BB or SB in these trucks. I dont see many people do it on here, however. Should not be super difficult to get it done if this is your plan. good luck

I did on my '66 Burb, mainly so I could run taller valve covers without cutting the firewall. Of course I had to fab some custom motor mount brackets. Only moved it 1.5"to 2".......it's been so long ago I can't remember for sure

10-24-2008, 12:54 AM	#1
kissingbug1978 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Antonio,Tx Posts: 83	Big Block engine swap How hard is to swap a big block into these trucks. I know that I've seen it before. But just don't know what kind of mounts to use or where to locate them on the frame. And anything else that might be involved. Or potentail headaches. Last edited by kissingbug1978; 10-24-2008 at 12:56 AM.

10-24-2008, 01:43 AM	#3
kissingbug1978 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Antonio,Tx Posts: 83	Re: Big Block engine swap The engine I'm currently looking at is a 396 with stock internals and the usual bolt-ons(intake,carb, headers and a decent cam). I'm not looking to get to crazy here as my truck is planned to be a daily driver with an automatic overdrive tranny. I guess the question I was trying to ask is, Is it just a matter of changing the mounts and dropping in the engine. Or is it more involved? Last edited by kissingbug1978; 10-24-2008 at 01:45 AM.

10-24-2008, 06:58 AM	#5
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Big Block engine swap Check with CHEVYFLEETSIDE....he is currently working on one on his back-burner..... __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

10-24-2008, 08:39 AM	#6
kissingbug1978 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Antonio,Tx Posts: 83	Re: Big Block engine swap thanks for the info as I've not been able to find it anywhere else on the net.

10-24-2008, 10:27 AM	#7
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,783	Re: Big Block engine swap Here is my thread so far. You don't have to go as far as cutting the firewall. That was a personal choice. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259536 __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

10-24-2008, 01:06 AM	#2
d10s69c10 Built 4 Speed Join Date: May 2008 Location: Geneva FL Posts: 619	Re: Big Block engine swap Beauty of chevy a 4.6 and a 9.3 will fit in the same mounts just about. simply put no its not that hard if you have a complete motor to drop in. "common" issues will be radiator Exhaust front springs. really depends on how stout of a engine you are throwing in, but everything from the back of your crankshaft to your wheel studs could also factor in. for those who are guessinga 9.3 is a 572. whats a 10.3? __________________ 1969 C/10 Short Box: 496/T-56 in worx. "To Be Old And Wise, First You Must Be Young And Stupid" Last edited by d10s69c10; 10-24-2008 at 01:11 AM.

10-24-2008, 12:38 PM	#8
BRASSHEAD Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 188	Re: Big Block engine swap I have a 402 in mine. I cut the fire wall, made the cut out wider and deeper. I also trimmed the frame about 3/4 of an inch and modified my motor mounts to clear the manifolds. Attached Images Last edited by BRASSHEAD; 10-24-2008 at 03:29 PM.

10-24-2008, 01:38 PM	#9
steverino66 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: oklahoma Posts: 663	Re: Big Block engine swap Here's my 454. I had to get some 68-72 big block frame mount towers to fit the header on the driver side (#2 tube was hitting the small block tower). I mounted mine on the forward holes on the frame rails to clear the firewall with teh valve covers. I'll have to have a driveshaft cut to fit. Requires some patience, but it can be done. Attached Images

10-24-2008, 03:24 PM	#10
BRASSHEAD Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 188	Re: Big Block engine swap Sorry about the picture still learning. Attached Images

10-24-2008, 03:41 PM	#11
joeys66pickup Dr. Frankenstein Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: beaverton,Or Posts: 458	Re: Big Block engine swap 10.3 is a 632ci? i might be wrong but im sure 604ish is about 10L so somewhere in there (im probably wrong but im only 19 so i usually am) __________________ I Wanna Go Fast!!

10-25-2008, 11:01 AM	#13
502tripower Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Satsop, WA Posts: 606	Re: Big Block engine swap Here is my 502. If you use the 73' up motor mounts Its a drop in. You may have to re-drill the top of the frame rail. I had to massage the passenger side fire wall a tiny bit. Also by using the 73' up mounts you can then buy headers for those models that fit much better. Good luck. Attached Images __________________ 1963' Chev Custom Cab 502, 67' 435hp 3X2 intake, 9" 4:30 Posi 1961 Impala SS 348/350 4-speed 3:70 Posi 1961 Bel-Air Bubble Top 283 Turboglide soon to have a 348 3X2 4-speed 1950 17' Fairliner twin cockpit barrel stern 312 Y block 1X1 intake Borg Warner 1:1 gear 1957 Fleetform 14' twin cockpit barrel stern 1969 BP-125 Merc 1949 Transitier 3-wheel forklift Crosley 4-Banger 98' FXD 2002 2500HD

10-25-2008, 11:51 AM	#14
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: Big Block engine swap I would follow 502's route unless you know of a 67-72 to get BB parts out of. I had everything to do this and ended up not doing it; maybe I should have as I wasted alot of $$$$. (Im usually good at sticking to my plans) Pulling the engine forward also gives you alot of clearance BB or SB in these trucks. I dont see many people do it on here, however. Should not be super difficult to get it done if this is your plan. good luck __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

10-25-2008, 01:23 PM	#15
BRASSHEAD Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 188	Re: Big Block engine swap If you want to run tall valve covers you will need to cut your fire wall or move the motor forward.I did not move mine so I would have room for a fan,plus I like the smoothed and recessed firewall.I have been thinking of trying the short style headers for chevelles.Ground clearance is an issue for me.



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