Engine Swap: I6/3 Spd to 350/350
 

Hey forum, so I'm a rookie at wrenching but I'm looking to swap out my I6/3 speed and have a 350/350 I'm wanting to put in.

I was hoping on getting some pointers on how to get started, anything I would need for the conversion.

Also, I would prefer to keep the column shift...is this possible?

I guess I should mention that I have a '66 BBW LB.


-Chuck

Re: Engine Swap: I6/3 Spd to 350/350
 

You'll need the motor mounts, bigger radiator, new throttle linkage, different transmission cross member, may need to drill holes in the frame, no you won't be able to use that exact column far as I know...if you can find one that was for a powerglide or hydromatic it might work( I'm not positive). And some changes on the driveshaft U-joints. :chevy:

Re: Engine Swap: I6/3 Spd to 350/350
 

Welcome to the forum Chuck :D

Basically the 350 will bolt right up to the motor mount brackets just where they are. Of course this is assuming that your I6 is a 230 or 250. If it is a 292, you will have to get a different passenger side motor mount bracket. You use the same motor mounts on the I6. You will have to remove the bellhousing crossmember, and install an auto trans crossmember. You can either use an original from a '63-'87 truck or go with an aftermarket one. Either way you will have to drill the mounting holes. If your current radiator sits down on the lower step of the crossmember, you will need the larger radiator that sits on the top of the crossmember. As for the column shift, there is a member that modified his 3 OTT column to use on a auto trans. I don't remember who it was, but he has a build thread in the 'Projects and Builds' section....I'll see if I can find it.

Re: Engine Swap: I6/3 Spd to 350/350
 

Capt fab is correct on the linkage build. Guy took coat hanger and ran the path. Used 1/4 rod and bent the angles in a vise with round pipe on one side and a couple 2x stock ends on the other. Threaded the trans end and screwed on a hiem joint. Ran the upper rod end through the selector arm, tightened it down after securing the hiem to the trans arm. I just spent 30 min trying to find the pics but all I could see in the threads at the bottom is capt fab and me reading the same ones lol.

Re: Engine Swap: I6/3 Spd to 350/350
 

Found it!

Stealing capt fabs thunder...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...linkage&page=2
Post #47

Re: Engine Swap: I6/3 Spd to 350/350
 

Steal away :lol:

Glad to see the OP got some help ;)

Re: Engine Swap: I6/3 Spd to 350/350
 

That's why this forum is such a gem...plenty of helpful users. Thanks for all the info, it's appreciated!