Big Block Swap For Trailer Towing

[Skull Bucket]

Thinking about putting a big block in place of the 283 in my 1966 Suburban. Been towing a 27 foot dbl axle camper trailer and feeling the limitations of the 283 small block - "it's time to put a bigger motor".

Looking for comments regarding ease of fitment, references to example threads that may be out there, suggested motor/auto-tranny combo.

Not looking for the Corvette super motor, just a good old fashioned big block with carburetor.

[RockTonka]

Pretty much what we did...BBC/T400/D60.

[Skull Bucket]

Originally Posted by RockTonka

Pretty much what we did...BBC/T400/D60.

Thanks I have started looking at your awesome thread. Haven't studied every detail that you shared yet....did the motor fit in easy or was there clearance issues???

[MikeS.]

You will probably need to modify the firewall to get a big block to fit in there. One day I'm going to put up 350 in mine. Pretty much A drop in motor swap.

[Captainfab]

You do not have to modify the firewall. You just need to move the engine forward with either the '68-'71 big block engine mounts and brackets, or the '73-'87 engine mounts. The '73-'87 frame brackets from a C20/30 fit the earlier frames better than the C10 brackets.

I did not modify the firewall on my '66 Suburban, but I did fabricate some custom engine mount brackets that moved the engine forward about 2" from the original location.

[Harley Truck]

Big block fits no problem either way as long as you use factory valve covers. Larger aftermarket chrome or aluminum covers will need more clearance. I am running 454/700r4 combo.