454 in 69 c-10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dano69c10 · 02-02-2005, 02:54 PM

Hi new to board,
I want to drop a 454 with a th400 into my 69 c-10, but my neighbor says I'll have to lose the heater for it to fit. I know 69's came with bigblocks, but was there a different heater box for bbc's?
Thanx in advance
Dano

68c10owner · 02-02-2005, 03:04 PM

I don`t know if there is a difference but I just bought a 68 with a 396 that was originally a 6 cylinder truck and there is plenty of room at the heater box.

Staceydude · 02-02-2005, 03:04 PM

You will not have to lose the heater.

I think if you do a search for Big Blocks you will find there are quite a few who have done it.

I have not done it myself yet but we are headed in that direction soon.

There are several guys out there who have.

Basically it a pretty easy swap.

There is also a FAQ on the FAQ board on using the later model motor mounts as well and it may show some pics of motors installed.

Good luck

Stacey

CHEVYE · 02-02-2005, 03:39 PM

motor mounts are pretty much it. you may also have to massage the firewall a bit for exhaust or valve covers, but it`s nothing major.

Tx Firefighter · 02-02-2005, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEVYE

motor mounts are pretty much it. you may also have to massage the firewall a bit for exhaust or valve covers, but it`s nothing major.

That's a big negative ghost rider. You don't need to modify anything with a grinder or hammer. The factory set these trucks up for big blocks. GM didn't beat the firewall in on the trucks when they built them.

**'70_402** · 02-02-2005, 05:07 PM

Don't Let Your Neighbor Help You With The Swap.....hehe

68c10owner · 02-02-2005, 05:16 PM

Sounds like your neighbor is thinking of camaros or novas. they had a different heater cores to clear the valve covers.

Swbman · 02-02-2005, 07:23 PM

You wont have no problems installing a BBC in your truck,the 6772 trucks engines compartments will take just about anything you throw at em...

Dano69c10 · 02-02-2005, 07:46 PM

Thanx everyone!

My neighbor is the kinda guy who comes over everytime I'm working on my truck and sits there and tells me his opinions on everything I do to my truck. I couldn't get him to help me do anything if I tried. Once when I was pulling out my 250 for a rebuild ( I already had the the engine in the hoist and need someone to tilt it for me), I asked him for a hand and he said he had a bad back and couldn't help. He's a funny guy though. 50% of what he says about chevy trucks is true, I just have a hardtime telling when he's right or wrong.
Dano

CHEVYE · 02-02-2005, 08:36 PM

not even for a set of tall covers?

Tx Firefighter · 02-02-2005, 08:44 PM

Here's the 70 model 454 truck I built last year.

It was a factory 6 cylinder truck that I converted to big block.

No mods needed at all. With ther correct parts, it's a total bolt in. I don't bash anything with a hammer if it doesn't need it.

71Chevy4-speed · 02-02-2005, 11:31 PM

[QUOTE=Tx Firefighter]Here's the 70 model 454 truck I built last year. QUOTE]

Your making me jealous....lol.

Tx Firefighter · 02-02-2005, 11:36 PM

[QUOTE=71Chevy4-speed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Here's the 70 model 454 truck I built last year. QUOTE]

Your making me jealous....lol.

It was a cool little 4/6 lowered big block shortbed. I put it for sale when I was done. member Browndawg71 has it now.

3100 special · 02-02-2005, 11:36 PM

The engine questions were handled so I'll just say

from Texas!

padreisla · 02-02-2005, 11:44 PM

I put a 454 BB with a THD 400 in my 67 with no modifications. I did have to watch which set of headers I put in because of the brake lines coming from the master cylinder. I got the headers from AutoZone and only moved the break line a couple of inches. They were just too close to the headers for me. Other than that it was basically just put it together and drop it in.

krue · 02-02-2005, 09:30 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! I would take your neighbor with a grain of salt.

**too much stuff** · 02-02-2005, 10:35 PM

The firewall bashing and dist clearance they are talking about is on the big block in a 4x4 swap. The 4x4s used the rear holes in the frame. If yours is a 2wd, use the front holes like the factory did and you should be OK. You don't have to have big block mounts either, they will bolt on small block mounts, but exhaust may get tight depending on what you use for manifolds.

Rdrdave · 02-03-2005, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too much stuff

The firewall bashing and dist clearance they are talking about is on the big block in a 4x4 swap. The 4x4s used the rear holes in the frame. If yours is a 2wd, use the front holes like the factory did and you should be OK. You don't have to have big block mounts either, they will bolt on small block mounts, but exhaust may get tight depending on what you use for manifolds.

Do you have any pics of a BB with SB mounts? I'd like to see how they did that. I'm in the process of trading a SB350 crate for a rebuilt (stock) 396.

**too much stuff** · 02-03-2005, 11:58 AM

Couple pics for Rdrdave.
This is a 4x4, not sure what the oil pan is originally, exhaust manifolds are from a 77 chev 1/2 ton. It does fit, just a little tight in places...

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 02-03-2005, 01:36 PM

This is in my 70

454 in front holes, used 72 correct mounts (Fits Great), 350 trans (had to shorten drive shaft 1 inch), , Headers fit perfect (Dynamax) Heater Box not an issue

Lots of fun

Rdrdave · 02-03-2005, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Couple pics for Rdrdave.
This is a 4x4, not sure what the oil pan is originally, exhaust manifolds are from a 77 chev 1/2 ton. It does fit, just a little tight in places...

Thanks I'll see what happens and post some pics once i start.

Purs · 02-02-2005, 11:01 PM

you may need a high hump for the TH400 tranny though....

Tx Firefighter · 02-02-2005, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purs

you may need a high hump for the TH400 tranny though....

Not if you have good cab mounts. In the truck above (454, turbo 400 and low hump cab) I could slide my hand easily between the cab and tranny anywhere.

Before I changed the cab mounts though (original 33 year old ones) it was tight to get my fingers in there in some places. The new cab mounts made all the difference.

68c10owner · 02-02-2005, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purs

you may need a high hump for the TH400 tranny though....

My 68 I just bought is a low hump and has a th400. I don`t know how much clearance there is but it looked like plenty. Of coarse it does have new cab mounts so that might be why.

cochran63 · 02-02-2005, 11:18 PM

When I set the BB in my 63, I did not have to beat on the firewall, but I did have to pull the heater. The heater hoses came out right in the middle of my valve cover. But I hav to use the tall valve covers to clear the roller rockers and stud girdles.

02-02-2005, 02:54 PM	#1
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	454 in 69 c-10 Hi new to board, I want to drop a 454 with a th400 into my 69 c-10, but my neighbor says I'll have to lose the heater for it to fit. I know 69's came with bigblocks, but was there a different heater box for bbc's? Thanx in advance Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it! Last edited by Dano69c10; 02-02-2005 at 03:03 PM.

02-02-2005, 03:04 PM	#2
68c10owner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 3,006	I don`t know if there is a difference but I just bought a 68 with a 396 that was originally a 6 cylinder truck and there is plenty of room at the heater box. __________________ Anthony

02-02-2005, 03:39 PM	#4
CHEVYE my gas saver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,046	motor mounts are pretty much it. you may also have to massage the firewall a bit for exhaust or valve covers, but it`s nothing major. __________________ 85' SWB, 4.3/TH350, getting ready for paint 84`SWB, 462ci./TH400, cowl hood, 15" billet spec., flows, blazer buckets/console, flat black 71`SWB, project ebay feedback

02-02-2005, 05:07 PM	#6
'70_402 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pampa, Texas Posts: 1,554	Don't Let Your Neighbor Help You With The Swap.....hehe __________________ https://www.ebay.com/itm/295742064443

02-02-2005, 05:16 PM	#7
68c10owner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 3,006	Sounds like your neighbor is thinking of camaros or novas. they had a different heater cores to clear the valve covers. __________________ Anthony

02-02-2005, 03:04 PM	#3
Staceydude Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: DFW Area Texas Posts: 436	You will not have to lose the heater. I think if you do a search for Big Blocks you will find there are quite a few who have done it. I have not done it myself yet but we are headed in that direction soon. There are several guys out there who have. Basically it a pretty easy swap. There is also a FAQ on the FAQ board on using the later model motor mounts as well and it may show some pics of motors installed. Good luck Stacey

02-02-2005, 07:23 PM	#8
Swbman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tulsa,Oklahoma Posts: 606	You wont have no problems installing a BBC in your truck,the 6772 trucks engines compartments will take just about anything you throw at em... __________________ 1961 BUICK LESABRE 1968 CHEVELLE SS 396 1969 BUICK RIVIERA GS 1971 2 WHEEL DRIVE BLAZER 1971 4X4 BLAZER 1971 SHORTBED CHEYENNE FLEETSIDE 1971 SHORTBED 4X4 FLEETSIDE ** ...My Ebay

02-02-2005, 07:46 PM	#9
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Thanx everyone! My neighbor is the kinda guy who comes over everytime I'm working on my truck and sits there and tells me his opinions on everything I do to my truck. I couldn't get him to help me do anything if I tried. Once when I was pulling out my 250 for a rebuild ( I already had the the engine in the hoist and need someone to tilt it for me), I asked him for a hand and he said he had a bad back and couldn't help. He's a funny guy though. 50% of what he says about chevy trucks is true, I just have a hardtime telling when he's right or wrong. Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

02-02-2005, 08:36 PM	#10
CHEVYE my gas saver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,046	not even for a set of tall covers? __________________ 85' SWB, 4.3/TH350, getting ready for paint 84`SWB, 462ci./TH400, cowl hood, 15" billet spec., flows, blazer buckets/console, flat black 71`SWB, project ebay feedback

02-02-2005, 08:44 PM	#11
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Here's the 70 model 454 truck I built last year. It was a factory 6 cylinder truck that I converted to big block. No mods needed at all. With ther correct parts, it's a total bolt in. I don't bash anything with a hammer if it doesn't need it. Attached Images __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-02-2005, 11:31 PM	#12
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	[QUOTE=Tx Firefighter]Here's the 70 model 454 truck I built last year. QUOTE] Your making me jealous....lol. __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"

02-02-2005, 11:36 PM	#14
3100 special Street Rod Dreamin' Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Work:Batam, Indonesia/ Home:League City, Texas Posts: 1,243	The engine questions were handled so I'll just say from Texas! __________________ 1954 Chevy 3100 Panel Truck 2004 GMC Yukon 2007 GMC Sierra 4X4 "I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it." Benjamin Franklin, On the Price of Corn and Management of the Poor, November 1776

02-02-2005, 11:44 PM	#15
padreisla Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 141	No Problem Here I put a 454 BB with a THD 400 in my 67 with no modifications. I did have to watch which set of headers I put in because of the brake lines coming from the master cylinder. I got the headers from AutoZone and only moved the break line a couple of inches. They were just too close to the headers for me. Other than that it was basically just put it together and drop it in. Attached Images __________________ 67 C20 LWB 454 BB THD 400 97 Jeep Wrangler 4cyl 5sp Last edited by padreisla; 02-02-2005 at 11:46 PM.

02-02-2005, 09:30 PM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! I would take your neighbor with a grain of salt. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

02-02-2005, 10:35 PM	#17
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,718	The firewall bashing and dist clearance they are talking about is on the big block in a 4x4 swap. The 4x4s used the rear holes in the frame. If yours is a 2wd, use the front holes like the factory did and you should be OK. You don't have to have big block mounts either, they will bolt on small block mounts, but exhaust may get tight depending on what you use for manifolds. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto



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02-03-2005, 11:58 AM	#19
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,718	Couple pics for Rdrdave. This is a 4x4, not sure what the oil pan is originally, exhaust manifolds are from a 77 chev 1/2 ton. It does fit, just a little tight in places... Attached Images __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

02-03-2005, 01:36 PM	#20
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,111	This is in my 70 454 in front holes, used 72 correct mounts (Fits Great), 350 trans (had to shorten drive shaft 1 inch), , Headers fit perfect (Dynamax) Heater Box not an issue Lots of fun Attached Images __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 Last edited by 1970 CST Short Wide; 02-03-2005 at 01:39 PM.

02-02-2005, 11:01 PM	#22
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	you may need a high hump for the TH400 tranny though.... __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

02-02-2005, 11:18 PM	#25
cochran63 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,057	When I set the BB in my 63, I did not have to beat on the firewall, but I did have to pull the heater. The heater hoses came out right in the middle of my valve cover. But I hav to use the tall valve covers to clear the roller rockers and stud girdles. __________________ Youth soon passes away, but immaturity can last a life time.

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