V8 swap in AD

[Matt_50]

Hey guys, I know this has been covered and I know there is a search box. My problem is I'm not quite finding what I'm looking for. I'm hoping you guys can direct me to the perfect build thread or have the advice handy. Im finding a lot of swaps on a s10 frame or I'm finding swaps that do not give the pictures I'm looking for. I want to find threads or info using a stock frame.

I'm putting a 350/350 in a 1950 3100 this weekend. I want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible. I've been told a few things I want to be clear on.

First, stock frame. With c10 IFS..cannot use c10 engine mounts. I am using c10 power steering though.
Second, I have one of the universal tubular engine mounts.
Third, no trans tunnel. Factory firewall and floor.

I've been told I can leave stock engine crossmember in and slide back trans crossmember and put a trans mount pad on it. Use my universal engine mount and done.

I was also told I cannot leave stock engine crossmember but I could use trans crossmember but it would need to be bolted under the frame instead of in the rails.

Which option can work? Both? I'm looking for close up pics of a 350/350 combo in stock frame. See what I need to move, trim, or remove.

I know I will see a lot during install, but I'm trying to get all the stuff ready for a easier swap. I have 3100 bare frame at front as well as my donor truck. Engine is disconnected from everything except mounts. I am installing combo all at once. So just pull and set in new frame.

Thanks guys.

[Black93GT]

It may not be your perfect build thread, but Coach529 dropped a 350/350 and then added IFS to his truck.
The Adventures of Henry

[Matt_50]

Nice thread, very detailed. I saw a few things I'm gonna want to re-read. Not quite what I'm looking for on engine and trans install. In fact he had to notch frame for fuel pump.. I wonder if I will need to.

[Matt_50]

I could go through the build threads for forever! Someday I hope to have the fab and welding skills a lot of you have. I cant believe I'm having so much trouble finding anyone who used a tubular style engine mount crossmember in the stock frame.

[ADchevys]

I used a tubular mount. Here’s a link to my build thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=685201

[Matt_50]

Nice build. So the stock engine crossmember needs to come out for sure? I like how you did the trans mount. I'm trying to get a rough idea on where the tubular crossmember needs to go. Do you have any good pics of it? How's your firewall clearance?

[ADchevys]

I’ll try and get some better pictures it might be a few days. My distributor sets about an inch and a half from the fire wall.

[abig84]

i too used the universal motor mount on my 52 im building, i put in a 700r4 transmission in it. i was digging through my pile-o-crossmembers and found that a crossmember from my old 1984 k5 blazer works perfect, just had to drill some holes and use some 1/4 inch shimms between the frame and crossmember.

i did cut out the crossmember thats kinda below the firewall not sure yet if im going to modify it or make another one, or if the truck even needs it with the added tubular motor mount and transmission crossmember being added in

[Matt_50]

I wonder if my 84 c10 trans crossmember will work too instead of using the old one and adding a mount pad to it.

Do you have pics of your tubular one installed?

[Matt_50]

What size bolts do I need to buy to attach my hoist to?

[Matt_50]

Anyone know off hand what size bolts I will need to put on engine. The heads? To attach the hoist and leveler to.

[Matt_50]

Ok the drivetrain is in! It's supported and only rack welded because I want to make sure I'm good.

I leveled the frame. I then leveled the carb. See pic of angle finder. Is this what I'm looking for?

Also, my hand can squeeze behind distributor. Is this good clearance for radiator? See pic.

My trans just barely touched bottom edge of firewall. So I can't go higher unless I hack floor. This sound good?

I have enough room to put belts on front bottom pulley. This look good?

[Jesse Z]

Looks perfect to me. I assume you found the 3/8-16 bolts you needed to attach the lift to your heads.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

What do you plan on doing for exhaust on left side by the steering gear?

[Jesse Z]

What steering are you using?

[Matt_50]

Yea lol I was overthinging the bolts. The exhaust right now is just stock from the c10. It clears the frame on both sides so I'm not sure if I need something smaller yet. I'm using the c10 power steering that bolts on outside of frame. If anyone has experience using c10 steering I'd like to know what clearance I can or cannot expect.

[Matt_50]

What balance of angles am I looking for? If my carb is level, is my trans perfect and I just need to set rear axle angle?

[PDW HOTRODS]

Angles should be about 3 degrees down at rear of trans, and 3 up at front of rear end. Mine is almost the same, I can fit fingers between distributor and firewall, and long water pump with engine fan I have about 1 1/4 inch to radiator.Block huger headers that are pointing to the rear are what you might want to look for. what motor mounts do you have and where is the main cross member under the engine?

[Matt_50]

Tubular type. The mounts are about center with wheels.

[scooters52]

Originally Posted by PDW HOTRODS

Angles should be about 3 degrees down at rear of trans, and 3 up at front of rear end. Mine is almost the same, I can fit fingers between distributor and firewall, and long water pump with engine fan I have about 1 1/4 inch to radiator.Block huger headers that are pointing to the rear are what you might want to look for. what motor mounts do you have and where is the main cross member under the engine?

Hey guys, I did a 350/350 combo in my little '52 truck a few years ago and used the tubular style cross members for both the engine and trans they went in really easy. Also, by leaving about a 1" or so gap at the back (by the distributor) I was still able to use a long water pump and have plenty of clearance for the radiator. It's a little tight, but it fits. I used some Tru-Ram style manifolds from Speedway, and then for steering I put a power steering box on the outside of the frame rail that came out of an '85 Blazer (I think??) Anyhow, that seemed to work very well for me, it sounds like you are on the right track. Let me know if you want any specific pics of any of it.

[Matt_50]

If you could provide a pic of the front that would be nice. Do you guys think I'm to close to front crossmember? I can still get belts on and off but it's like 3/4 to 1 inch of space. I also got my original trans crossmember. Still needs some work though.

[MARTINSR]

When I put a V8 in mine I just moved it back to clear the steering box.


Brian

[Matt_50]

Is that for real?!!

Ok, so I'm a little paranoid on making sure I have everything right before we tank out the motor again and permanently weld in the crossmember. I'm thinking of calling up the guy I got the truck from and see if he has any old radiators that would fit this truck. So I can bolt it up and check my clearances. I'm assuming new radiators would measure the same right?

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by Matt_50

Is that for real?!!

Ok, so I'm a little paranoid on making sure I have everything right before we tank out the motor again and permanently weld in the crossmember. I'm thinking of calling up the guy I got the truck from and see if he has any old radiators that would fit this truck. So I can bolt it up and check my clearances. I'm assuming new radiators would measure the same right?

Sure is, the first photo is it done, the carb is sitting in the box between the seats. The second photo, I drove it around a little like that, you can see the oil pan under the cab. The third picture, in the build up lanes at the local drag strip, check out the cowl vent "MID ENG". It was fun, it hooked up, I'll tell you that!

Brian

[scooters52]

Originally Posted by Matt_50

Is that for real?!!

Ok, so I'm a little paranoid on making sure I have everything right before we tank out the motor again and permanently weld in the crossmember. I'm thinking of calling up the guy I got the truck from and see if he has any old radiators that would fit this truck. So I can bolt it up and check my clearances. I'm assuming new radiators would measure the same right?

I used an original radiator in my truck and it worked great. I took some pics for you last night, but for whatever reason I can't upload them. Not sure what's going on, I've contacted tech support about it but they haven't got back to me yet. When I get it figured out I will upload them...