5.7 Vortec Swap

[71CHEVYSWB]

I would like to know if it is worth installing a 1997 350 Vortec into my 71 Chevy Truck? I have a new 350 transmission and was wondering if the new vortec would bolt up to it? The Vortec engine is complete with flex plate.

1. Are the motor mounts going to bolt right in?
2. Is my th350 transmission going to bolt up to the vortec with its flex plate?
3. Should I try to use all the fuel injection stuff or just go with an intake and carb?
4. Should I try to get the 4 speed transmission also? If so what will it take to use it in my 71 Chevy? ie. wiring, computer, sensors, linkage?

Any and all help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Please help.

[jmil1974]

It should bolt right up. You may have fun making your throttle linkage work both the EFI and kickdown cable. You also may need to install a VSS to get the most out of your EFI. A reprogram of the ECM may or may not be necessary but I think you'll at least need to remove the VATS somehow. Not 100% sure on the VATS.

I think you would find it easier to get the 4L60e tranny too and install the whole driveline as a unit and just move the tranny mount/crossmember and cut your driveshaft.

I'm sure others will contribute here. Good luck!

[71CHEVYSWB]

Thanks jimil1974.
Would I be better off adding a new intake and carburator? I don't really want to invest in another tranny. Just may want to use the long block of the engine. Wanted to make sure the new Vortec flex plate would bolt up to my torque convertor.

[swdobbs]

I'm in process of the same general swap ('93 5.7) matched to a TH400.

1- You'll need a wiring kit, I'm using a painless kit to get the ECM working, previously mentioned the VSS harness is optimal.

2- You'll need to figure out fuel pressure requirements, either use an inline elec fuel pump (walsbro) and plumb a return line to the stock tank, or swapping in a late model blazer/tahoe tank with the correct intank pump and lines, I'm locating mine under bed and using lines out of '94 1-ton.

3- You'll need to figure out which gauges are compatible.....I have yet to figure this one out, I've been told yes to the fuel/oil/temp, and no to the tach I have now.

Don't let any of this deter you......nothing worthwhile is ever easy (or cheap).

swdobbs..........

[superchevy]

If you don't want to run the fuel injection, just buy whatever Vortec-patterned intake you want to run, throw on your carb and distributor (change the dist gear to a hardened one for a roller cam) and cruise down the road.
Pretty simple.
SC