Ever bought a truck, JUST for the motor???

[lyrikz]

I just purchased a 71 stepside. It has the inline 6 in it and i want to swap that out for a 396 or a 454. I was looking around and found a 2 wheel drive suburban iwth a good running 454 motor in it. Can i pull the motor and trans and use that in my 71???

Every other project i have ever worked on was an import car, never any domestics. I am pretty knowlegable on reubilds and what not, but have no idea what fits in my truck as for motors?

Any tips as to what fits in what??

[67_C-30]

I've probably bought as many vehicles for good motors as I have just to have them. The 454 will be fine in your truck. You'll have to find or make a crossmember for the auto tranny, find an auto tranny column (or floor shifter if you want to go that route) and find a driveshaft or have one shortened to fit, none of which is a big deal. The only bad thing about a big block is feeding it!! - which is why all my trucks have small blocks. I actually took a 396 out of my car hauler!

[67_C-30]

PS, you might have to move the frame engine mounts for L6 to BBC swap, but they are bolt-on so that's not a big deal there either. I didn't have to move them when I went from the 396 to the 383, so youmight not have to move them either. Somebody on here could tell you for sure.

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

PS, you might have to move the frame engine mounts for L6 to BBC swap, but they are bolt-on so that's not a big deal there either. I didn't have to move them when I went from the 396 to the 383, so youmight not have to move them either. Somebody on here could tell you for sure.

Hmm, transmission crossmember? those hard to find??

The truck is just being used for SUPER SUPER light duty.. More just for show and weekend drive maybe. Not worried about gas mileage. I just want a very reliable motor that can easily put out 300-400 hp, and have zero difficulty idling long periods of time in traffic at shows and what not. I figured its easier on a non built bigblock to give me all of those options.

My truck now has a 3 speed on the floor manual if that helps.

[67ChevyRedneck]

My dad bought a totally rusted out crap 70 something pontiac car (not one of the muscle cars) for a low mileage good running 400.

I've never done it, but he's done it a few times.

What year is the burb? I think the only thing you need would be "big block motor mount towers." I think they're different than V-8 towers and straight six towers (which also differ from each other.) I know you can put a small block in the "I-6" position, it just puts the dizzy close to the firewall.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Actually, now that I think about it, I think you have to have big block towers. I think it moves the engine forward so the valve covers clear the firewall? My memory is fuzzy.

[steveshow]

The L6 has rear motor mounts riveted to the frame in the rear. You will have to drill or cut these out if going to any V8. You will also need to use the frame stands off of the Sub. THat is the + of having the whole donor vehicle. For instance, if you pulled only the engine, you will ALWAYS think of something else you need, usually just after you pass the half way back home point, such as the V8 engine wiring harness.

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by steveshow

The L6 has rear motor mounts riveted to the frame in the rear. You will have to drill or cut these out if going to any V8. You will also need to use the frame stands off of the Sub. THat is the + of having the whole donor vehicle. For instance, if you pulled only the engine, you will ALWAYS think of something else you need, usually just after you pass the half way back home point, such as the V8 engine wiring harness.

Nice. Thats what i was thinking... Do i need the donor vehicle to be 2wd?? Or will 4wheel drive work. I am using the transmission also.

[Scott68-93-97]

There was a post about motor mount stands here recently there nice and they use the late 70's and up motor mounts Id use those excpecially with a big block. Not saying stocky's wont work these are better and the newer motor mounts are a better design. Do you have fab tools like a welder and grinder, If so you can build a crossmember easily for the tranny, ECE also sells them, You will need to change your radiator mounts to the HD mounts out of a 3/4 1 ton you can also buy them from ECE because the 6 has a 2 row that sets off to one side and youll need the 4 row to keep the 454 cool

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by Scott68-93-97

There was a post about motor mount stands here recently there nice and they use the late 70's and up motor mounts Id use those excpecially with a big block. Not saying stocky's wont work these are better and the newer motor mounts are a better design. Do you have fab tools like a welder and grinder, If so you can build a crossmember easily for the tranny, ECE also sells them, You will need to change your radiator mounts to the HD mounts out of a 3/4 1 ton you can also buy them from ECE because the 6 has a 2 row that sets off to one side and youll need the 4 row to keep the 454 cool

Hmm, my radiator now is the size of the whole front end. it doesnt set off to the side. I think i have a pic somewhere. I do NOT have a welder. I do have everything else except that.

[Ackattack]

I bought a 98 Trans am to use the engine and transmission out of (LS1 and 4L60E), but now its for sale cause I got a good deal on a 5.3L....still need a tranny though.

[72armyswbtruck]

I bought a longhorn for the big block but thenn never used the motor.