73 tilt cab new project
 

Hello all enthuiasts,
I have a 1973 6000 v-eight that I might want to make my toy hauler.
It currently has a 327 cid,4 speed and split rear.
I also have a running 91 1ton Chevy van I'm thinking of using everything out of.
Tbi 350, 4l80e and seats for now.
My first of many questions are
1. Is the 327 a standard engine or are they modified for these trucks.

2. Are the trans and diff standard for these (i.e.) sm420,eaton

3. Would the 350 and 4l80e be a good swap for mileage and a little more power.
Not a freeway flyer.
It runs so I have all wiring harnesses:metal:

4. Will the split rear work with an automatic (i.e.) run in low with load or high empty.

I will be very appreciative of any help or suggestions.
I have also noticed there's not a lot of the tilt cabs being resto'd

Re: 73 tilt cab new project
 

I don't have any specific experience with the tilt cab trucks but my understanding is that it is a medium duty with a different body. That would make the rear significantly larger than what is in the one ton. Personally I'd keep the split axle. Someone on here remarked one time that you can shift the axle low to high just fine behind the auto. Judging by my experience with the manual I would think it possible. I think the motor itself should swap with no problem. The only big difference I've seen with a small block in a medium duty is that they use a single front motor mount instead of on the sides. If you go back with the auto trans I'd think you would need to fabricate some side mounts onto the engine.

That is a cool truck, I love the tilt cabs.

-Richard

Re: 73 tilt cab new project
 

In my opinion, I don't believe the power difference between a 327 and a 350 would be that much different to justify the swap, unless it's wore out, lol. By the way, what year is the 327, as I don't believe they were available in '73.

Also I'm not very knowledgeable with Autos, but I way say that the 4l80e may not be strong enough for a big 2-Ton truck. If a truck of your size had an original Auto, I believe it would be an Allison.

Re: 73 tilt cab new project
 

Richard
the truck has solid mounts to the sides of the frame.
they are flat, not the cup style and no rubber between???
Maybe why it vibrates the butt to sleep

c-10 - c-90 Bill
i dont know the year of the 327
arent the 350's more torquey and the 327's more rpm based
it has the 4 speed manual and a huge rear end (Baby got Back):lol:

Re: 73 tilt cab new project
 

With mounts on the side you should be good to swap. A 350 definitely has a longer stroke, so all else being even (doubtful) the longer stroke would have more torque. Along those lines the 400 small block or the hybrid 383 have a longer stroke than the 350.

-Richard

Re: 73 tilt cab new project
 

yes a 400 would be better but i have a tbi 350 in the yard now and it is free:metal: