Engine swap

[66folks]

I am in the process of trying to find the cost to rebuild the 305E that is in my 66 right now. The couple of estimates that i have been able to get so far have been around 3k. That is a little more than i want to spend on a rebuild. I have a 74 Old's 455 at my parents house that I'm trying to get either shipped or driven down to me. My question is how much trouble will i have getting it to fit in the truck. The engine was in a 82 Cadillac that originally had a 350 turbo diesel in it. I know i will have to get different motor mounts but will the tubular ones that a lot of you guys use work the Old's motor? And depending on which transmission I have will determine if mine will work.

Ben

[Tommy454]

Not sure about which mounts will work ,but as far as the transmission goes; an adapter plate will solve that. They run around $30.00 from Speedway.

[geezer#99]

The olds will work if you have an automatic to put in with it. If you want to use your stock tranny you'll need to find a rare flywheel to hook it up. And bell housing or adaptor.
And the starter is on the driver's side too. No room for clutch linkage.
Maybe a 350 sb would be better.

[Clyde65]

Ls! Ls! Ls!

[66folks]

So I have found a good donor vehicle for my engine swap. The burb has a 400 in it and was going to pull the cross member and the rear axles to complete the 5 lug swap. Is the rear axle the same length as the 66 1/2 tons? Also when I get the new engine in place how much of the wire harness will i need to modify or should i just pull the one from the burb?

[Captainfab]

You didn't mention what year the Burb is, but more than likely the rear end in it is 1.5" wider than your original. This swap is done frequently. You'll just need to be aware of the extra width of the rear end when selecting your wheels so as to avoid tire to bedside interference.

As for the engine wiring harness, I would suggest purchasing the replacement harness for a '66 with a V8. That way the harness just plugs into your firewall plugs. I believe you can get then with the upgraded alternator and HEI ignition. Take a look over at

http://www.classicparts.com

And here for upgrade info if you need it.

http://www.madelectrical.com

[66folks]

Captainfab, thanks for the info on the harness's. The burb is an 84. will i have to change to position of the axle perches for the leaf springs?

[el_bole]

Looking to put in a 350 into my 61' apache. It currently has a 235-250 engine...Was quoted $2000 to do the actual swap, I was floored when mechanic told me that way too much dinero ...How hard is it really to do this? Regarding adaptations etc.? Any info would be greatly appreciated....

[Captainfab]

You might have to persuade the springs one way or the other a little, but it should bolt up. I installed a mid 70's 12 bolt under a '66 GMC about 20 years ago, so the details are a little fuzzy, but it did bolt up.

Originally Posted by 66folks

Captainfab, thanks for the info on the harness's. The burb is an 84. will i have to change to position of the axle perches for the leaf springs?

[Captainfab]

Well converting from a 235 and a manual trans in a '60-'62 is a bit more work than if it were a '63 and up truck. And when you're having to pay regular shop time, the cost adds up in a hurry. And unless the particular mechanic is familar with these trucks, it may take even longer.

The degree of difficulty depends on your own mechanical abilities, and a location to do the conversion. If you have the place to do the work and the desire as well as the necessary tools and equipment, it can be done with help from everyone here on the forum.

Originally Posted by el_bole

Looking to put in a 350 into my 61' apache. It currently has a 235-250 engine...Was quoted $2000 to do the actual swap, I was floored when mechanic told me that way too much dinero ...How hard is it really to do this? Regarding adaptations etc.? Any info would be greatly appreciated....