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

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!

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.

Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4
 

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

Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4
 

Awesome!
Be sure to post up a build thread once you get started working on it.
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Re: Vortec 8.1 In a 66 4X4
 

That'll be a cool build.

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