Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JRBECK64 · 03-15-2013, 07:24 PM

Has anyone tried to put a newer Vortec Motor in one of these old trucks? What kinds of hurdles are there to putting one of these in a 66 4X4? Is there after market Crossmembers for the motor and Trans/Transfer Case? I dont really like to re invent the wheel if I dont have to so I was just wondering if someones done this?

JRBECK64

**argonaut** · 03-15-2013, 08:38 PM

Dude! I almost got SO JEALOUS when I read your thread title!

I would love to do this swap. DirtyLarry has put on in his late 70s pickup and I saw it when I visited Colorado a couple months ago. Apparently it bolts in like a big block. But I haven't seen anyone put one in a 60-66 chassis yet.

Go for it!

**Captainfab** · 03-16-2013, 01:10 AM

Putting a 8.1 in a '66 4x4 wouldn't be that much different than what DirtyLarry did in his '78.

JRBECK64 · 03-16-2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by argonaut

Dude! I almost got SO JEALOUS when I read your thread title!

I would love to do this swap. DirtyLarry has put on in his late 70s pickup and I saw it when I visited Colorado a couple months ago. Apparently it bolts in like a big block. But I haven't seen anyone put one in a 60-66 chassis yet.

Go for it!

You cant believe the killer deal Im going to get on the 8.1 liter. It has a very slight knock and I have already talked to my local machinist and he said he would ground the crank for me for $200. I am getting the 8.1 for $200. so for $400 im getting the engine. I need to go find a 4L80E to put behind it. The engine also comes with the ECU and the harness. I will probably buy an aftermarket harness to hook it up. Now I need to find a truck to put it in.. I seen one locally but im not real good at cold calls on asking a guy if he wants to part with his truck...

JRBECK64

**argonaut** · 03-16-2013, 11:53 AM

Awesome!
Be sure to post up a build thread once you get started working on it.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Corts60** · 03-16-2013, 01:17 PM

That'll be a cool build.

JRBECK64 · 03-16-2013, 01:18 PM

My real thoughts on this build is finding a 64-66 Suburban 4X4 and cutting it off and making a 4 door truck with a short Fleet bed. Im actually thinking about selling my 67 Short Fleet to build the capital to do this build. Im thinking this is not going to be a cheap build... I need to do some real upfront planning before I get started on this...

JRBECK64

03-15-2013, 07:24 PM	#1
JRBECK64 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cornelius Oregon Posts: 1,073	Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4 Has anyone tried to put a newer Vortec Motor in one of these old trucks? What kinds of hurdles are there to putting one of these in a 66 4X4? Is there after market Crossmembers for the motor and Trans/Transfer Case? I dont really like to re invent the wheel if I dont have to so I was just wondering if someones done this? JRBECK64

03-15-2013, 08:38 PM	#2
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4 Dude! I almost got SO JEALOUS when I read your thread title! I would love to do this swap. DirtyLarry has put on in his late 70s pickup and I saw it when I visited Colorado a couple months ago. Apparently it bolts in like a big block. But I haven't seen anyone put one in a 60-66 chassis yet. Go for it! __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

03-16-2013, 01:10 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4 Putting a 8.1 in a '66 4x4 wouldn't be that much different than what DirtyLarry did in his '78. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

03-16-2013, 11:53 AM	#5
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4 Awesome! Be sure to post up a build thread once you get started working on it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

03-16-2013, 01:17 PM	#6
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4 That'll be a cool build. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

03-16-2013, 01:18 PM	#7
JRBECK64 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cornelius Oregon Posts: 1,073	Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4 My real thoughts on this build is finding a 64-66 Suburban 4X4 and cutting it off and making a 4 door truck with a short Fleet bed. Im actually thinking about selling my 67 Short Fleet to build the capital to do this build. Im thinking this is not going to be a cheap build... I need to do some real upfront planning before I get started on this... JRBECK64



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