Change of direction...5.3L carbed to sbc?
 

I'm wrestling with something and I need a little feedback. I have been planning to put a carbed 5.3L in my '50 3100 (Project Popeye link in my sig). I have all the stuff to do it; engine, accessories, MSD controller, intake, carb, LS1 pan, etc. I planned to mate this with an NP833 trans.

I'm now thinking about pulling the very healthy, low mile 350 from my '71 and using it instead. My reasons are; the 350 has a leak that I haven't been able to fix and it really needs to be pulled to find it (I've replaced everything, including rear main with no luck). I haven't driven the '71 for along time because of this which is sad and frustrating. The 5.3L was originally planned for the '71 and not the '50, if I'm going to have them both out why not go with the original plan? Also the 700R4 will mount up to the 5.3L much easier as will the NP833 to the 350. There are several other factors that will make the '50 build smoother by using the 350 instead.

Do you think this will take away from the WOW factor on the '50?

Re: Change of direction...5.3L carbed to sbc?
 

it may take away some WOW factor from the '50, but will add to the WOW factor of the '70

Re: Change of direction...5.3L carbed to sbc?
 

It makes sense to me. This saves having to get an expensive flywheel and/or bellhousing for the 5.3 (assuming the 5.3 was automatic to begin with).

Does your 833 have the normal GM bolt pattern, or is it the one with the half Mopar/half GM pattern?

Ray

Re: Change of direction...5.3L carbed to sbc?
 

I've got the funky half gm / half mopar pattern. Had to call around a bit to find a bellhousing because it didn't come with one.

I think I'm gonna move forward on the swap. The 5.3L will go into the '71 quick, just the trans spacer (700r4) motor mounts, fuel pump and exhaust really.

Re: Change of direction...5.3L carbed to sbc?
 

looking forward to the progress pics

Re: Change of direction...5.3L carbed to sbc?
 

and you don't need a high psi fuel pump either...something over 3-4psi and under 7-9 psi unless you run a regulator.