Unusual motor swaps... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68,69 K20 · 03-07-2011, 10:28 AM

Just curious how many out of the norm motor swaps have been done to these trucks. BBC and SBC's are cool and all, but how about a 348/409 swap, or even something radical like running an ol skool flathead or even and early Hemi or something along those lines.

Anybody done something different or know someone who has?

**special-K** · 03-07-2011, 11:27 AM

I already have a built 327 for my '67 GMC,which was the top dog for power and pretty limited production. But,if I could do it over I'd like a Pontiac 389. My theme,other than using what I have,is a '67 era truck that might have been worked over by a performance minded wrench. Since GMC would have been sold at a Pontiac dealership I thought it would be cool to have it modded with Pontiac stuff that may have been available to a mechanic at a dealership. I have a Pontiac steering wheel,dog dish caps,and M22 from a GTO already. Add a 389 tri-power and some GTO seats,maybe twin tip duals poking down from behind the rear wheels...WOWZA!!

Stubbs67 · 03-07-2011, 12:09 PM

I looked at my truck the other day, then looked at my wife's '76 300d Mercedes with good motor/trans, I hate that car.... I had a thought...... nahhh.

Beat68CST · 03-07-2011, 05:31 PM

My grandpa pondered puttin our stroked 348 with 690 heads and matchin 750 comp series dual 4's in my truck.

Then we thought about the cost going through that compared to my small journal 327. lmao.

406 Q-ship · 03-07-2011, 04:22 PM

There is a member on here who has a Buick 455 in one. I'm sure there were more than a few got 472/500 Cadillac, it was a popular swap into the square series and the 67-72 isn't much different.

Hottrucks · 03-07-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

cad 425 here. It's getting pulled out for a small block soon-ish though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 406 Q-ship

There is a member on here who has a Buick 455 in one. I'm sure there were more than a few got 472/500 Cadillac, it was a popular swap into the square series and the 67-72 isn't much different.

I'm in the 500 caddy club.....I will say that something along the lines of an Isuzu diesal with an auto out of a small box truck would be Kool and easy

70 shorty · 03-07-2011, 04:50 PM

a 348 or 409 would be really cool, but I think it would be even cooler in an even older truck, say from when the 409 was actually produced. Special K, I love your idea!

Longhorn Man · 03-07-2011, 04:57 PM

cad 425 here. It's getting pulled out for a small block soon-ish though.

todd99 · 03-07-2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

cad 425 here. It's getting pulled out for a small block soon-ish though.

I had a '65 caddy in high school with a 425, that was a great motor. Good mileage and a ton of power.

usmcchevy · 03-07-2011, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

don't kill the messenger..... Guy has a 67-72 chevy pulling truck with a ford 460 in it somewhere in southern mo.
I have the 5.3 swap in mine.

W block or nailhead would be cool but I'd rather see them in something without a hood.

There is another 460 going in one in LA too. I have 4.8 in mine..........not running yet, but in

fishingjred73 · 03-10-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmcchevy

There is another 460 going in one in LA too. I have 4.8 in mine..........not running yet, but in

SHHHHHHHHHH your gonna get me kicked off here!

pockets · 03-09-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

cad 425 here. It's getting pulled out for a small block soon-ish though.

i would love to drop a cad motor in one. you going to sell your cad engine when you swap it?

suville · 03-07-2011, 05:57 PM

Not too unusual but a bit different and can be accomplished without goin to the extent that I have but this is a real cobb job installation was that way when I bought it and am in the process of complete reconstruction.

brad_man_72 · 03-07-2011, 06:52 PM

don't kill the messenger..... Guy has a 67-72 chevy pulling truck with a ford 460 in it somewhere in southern mo.
I have the 5.3 swap in mine.

W block or nailhead would be cool but I'd rather see them in something without a hood.

Pop's C-10 · 03-07-2011, 07:20 PM

348/409, Buick 401 or 425, 472/500 caddy...My pops had 403 th400 in his 70LWB..that thing would walk...

cam.man67 · 03-07-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubbs67

I looked at my truck the other day, then looked at my wife's '76 300d Mercedes with good motor/trans, I hate that car.... I had a thought...... nahhh.

Been done before:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=322435
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...76&postcount=3

Some others:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418826
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4128303

Here's a '68 GMC powered by a Boeing turbine:

YouTube - Jet Truck Burnout

YouTube - Jerrys Jet Truck Full Video

I've seen other unique swaps on here as well, Pontiac 400s, 6.2/6.5 Detroits (something I'm thinking about on my next truck), Cummins. I was reading somewhere about a 4-cylinder into an Action Line truck, but I can't find it offhand.

ChevLoRay · 03-07-2011, 07:33 PM

Somewhere on here was a video clip of a '67-72 that was running a Detroit Diesel V-6, with an appropriate gearbox (10-speed?). In my opinion, that was pretty ingenious.

60ratrod · 03-07-2011, 08:24 PM

i read about the turbine powered 68 in hotrod couple years ago. and the way that he managed to hook the tranny to the turbine is friggen nuts. anyway, what about one of the "twin six" v12's? i know a couple of the 60-66 cats have done the swap and their 60-66's look awesome.

crazy longhorn · 03-07-2011, 09:19 PM

I did a 425 Cad, & a 455 Olds both in my old truck....lookin at an LS swap next trip

crazyL

cam.man67 · 03-09-2011, 07:48 AM

This isn't an Action Line, but here's a unique one I saw in January, a Jeep Wagoneer with a Ferrari Motor. The creator, William F. Harrah, wanted a 4x4 SUV that could travel 140...I guess it worked. He had to increase the length of the hood by 3", and even then is was still a tight fit:

It's a DOHC V12, but what's amazing is that this sucker only displaces 267.9 cid, yet it takes up that much room...when people say that Europeans have always been smarter about engines and efficiency, I just laugh.

The first two pics are not mine, the last one I took.

vasquezmrysvll · 03-09-2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cam.man67

This isn't an Action Line, but here's a unique one I saw in January, a Jeep Wagoneer with a Ferrari Motor. The creator, William F. Harrah, wanted a 4x4 SUV that could travel 140...I guess it worked. He had to increase the length of the hood by 3", and even then is was still a tight fit:

It's a DOHC V12, but what's amazing is that this sucker only displaces 267.9 cid, yet it takes up that much room...when people say that Europeans have always been smarter about engines and efficiency, I just laugh.

The first two pics are not mine, the last one I took.

that "jerarri" is in Reno at the auto museum. iv seen it, it is truly a unique monster.

heavy70 · 03-09-2011, 01:17 PM

Was thinking about putting my 440 R/B in my truck!!!

ChevLoRay · 03-09-2011, 01:46 PM

When the 88-98 body style was new, I remember one of the truck rags had a pic of an 88 or 89, that had "Like A Rock, With A Ford Block" on the tailgate. Kind of a slap in the face.....

4x4360 · 03-10-2011, 06:33 AM

Recently bought a '67 C10 with a Olds engine installed. Still trying to figure out the size and year. I think it's a mid 50's because it has center bolt valve covers and reverse gear is at the bottom of the gear selector. The previous owner didn't know either. Has plenty of power but I'm looking for a period correct small block to put in.

69sixpackbee · 04-07-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavy70

Was thinking about putting my 440 R/B in my truck!!!

I did that. Took one from an old 69 Imperial along with the 727 and stuffed it in a '70.
Worked better than the paltry 350 that used to reside in there.

03-07-2011, 10:28 AM	#1
68,69 K20 They call me the Breeze... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,251	Unusual motor swaps... Just curious how many out of the norm motor swaps have been done to these trucks. BBC and SBC's are cool and all, but how about a 348/409 swap, or even something radical like running an ol skool flathead or even and early Hemi or something along those lines. Anybody done something different or know someone who has? __________________ Mike 69 K20 "Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy"....Ben Franklin

03-07-2011, 11:27 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Unusual motor swaps... I already have a built 327 for my '67 GMC,which was the top dog for power and pretty limited production. But,if I could do it over I'd like a Pontiac 389. My theme,other than using what I have,is a '67 era truck that might have been worked over by a performance minded wrench. Since GMC would have been sold at a Pontiac dealership I thought it would be cool to have it modded with Pontiac stuff that may have been available to a mechanic at a dealership. I have a Pontiac steering wheel,dog dish caps,and M22 from a GTO already. Add a 389 tri-power and some GTO seats,maybe twin tip duals poking down from behind the rear wheels...WOWZA!! __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-07-2011, 12:09 PM	#3
Stubbs67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Venus, Tx Posts: 121	Re: Unusual motor swaps... I looked at my truck the other day, then looked at my wife's '76 300d Mercedes with good motor/trans, I hate that car.... I had a thought...... nahhh. __________________ 67 Short Step Project -My other wife, ya know... (she takes all my time and money and I don't even realize it) 88 Subaru wagon 4wd -Daily driver and workhorse 98 Subaru Forester S - Wife and baby wheels My Build Thread! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433751 Need step tail gate and bed front, driver door, both front fenders (both are bondo'd nightmares). can trade fleetside bed parts real straight (except sides) or pay some cash (i am pretty broke)

03-07-2011, 05:31 PM	#4
Beat68CST Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Buckeye Arizona Posts: 470	Re: Unusual motor swaps... My grandpa pondered puttin our stroked 348 with 690 heads and matchin 750 comp series dual 4's in my truck. Then we thought about the cost going through that compared to my small journal 327. lmao.

03-07-2011, 04:22 PM	#5
406 Q-ship Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 632	Re: Unusual motor swaps... There is a member on here who has a Buick 455 in one. I'm sure there were more than a few got 472/500 Cadillac, it was a popular swap into the square series and the 67-72 isn't much different. __________________ Lifes journey is not to arrive at the gate well preserved, it is to slide in sideways all used up and wore out yelling.....God what'a ride! Where patience fails, force prevails Stapp's Ironical Paradox "The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle."

03-07-2011, 04:50 PM	#7
70 shorty Where's my beer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glen Allen, VA Posts: 1,772	Re: Unusual motor swaps... a 348 or 409 would be really cool, but I think it would be even cooler in an even older truck, say from when the 409 was actually produced. Special K, I love your idea! __________________ 70 C10, shortstep, .30 over 250,Hurst shifted 3 spd parts hauler. Holley 390, Clifford Intake, Header, ported cylinder head, unknown bigger cam. 79 Corvette L82, 4 spd, black, red interior, headers, flowmasters, and unkown bigger cam. '03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 4x4 daily driver. 165K miles, and runs great '08 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 155K Last edited by 70 shorty; 03-07-2011 at 04:50 PM.

03-07-2011, 04:57 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Unusual motor swaps... cad 425 here. It's getting pulled out for a small block soon-ish though.

03-07-2011, 05:57 PM	#13
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: Unusual motor swaps... Not too unusual but a bit different and can be accomplished without goin to the extent that I have but this is a real cobb job installation was that way when I bought it and am in the process of complete reconstruction. Attached Images

03-07-2011, 06:52 PM	#14
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Unusual motor swaps... don't kill the messenger..... Guy has a 67-72 chevy pulling truck with a ford 460 in it somewhere in southern mo. I have the 5.3 swap in mine. W block or nailhead would be cool but I'd rather see them in something without a hood.

03-07-2011, 07:20 PM	#15
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: Unusual motor swaps... 348/409, Buick 401 or 425, 472/500 caddy...My pops had 403 th400 in his 70LWB..that thing would walk...

03-07-2011, 07:33 PM	#17
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Unusual motor swaps... Somewhere on here was a video clip of a '67-72 that was running a Detroit Diesel V-6, with an appropriate gearbox (10-speed?). In my opinion, that was pretty ingenious. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

03-07-2011, 08:24 PM	#18
60ratrod yes, i do Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Spokane, wa Posts: 2,734	Re: Unusual motor swaps... i read about the turbine powered 68 in hotrod couple years ago. and the way that he managed to hook the tranny to the turbine is friggen nuts. anyway, what about one of the "twin six" v12's? i know a couple of the 60-66 cats have done the swap and their 60-66's look awesome. __________________ ERROR 404....... SNAPPY COMEBACK NOT FOUND _______________________________________________________________________________________________ -60 Chevy C10, dead 350/good th350 combo, sitting on a 76 c10 blazer frame, built from 11 different vehicles "the abomination" -07 gmt900 silverado 1500 lt xcab z71, granite blue -81 suzuki gs650g "shelah"- current project -81 kz1000m1 csr "sarge" -next project (just beautification) -07 kawasaki vulcan classic vn900

03-07-2011, 09:19 PM	#19
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: Unusual motor swaps... I did a 425 Cad, & a 455 Olds both in my old truck....lookin at an LS swap next trip crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

03-09-2011, 07:48 AM	#20
cam.man67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jefferson, MD Posts: 2,397	Re: Unusual motor swaps... This isn't an Action Line, but here's a unique one I saw in January, a Jeep Wagoneer with a Ferrari Motor. The creator, William F. Harrah, wanted a 4x4 SUV that could travel 140...I guess it worked. He had to increase the length of the hood by 3", and even then is was still a tight fit: It's a DOHC V12, but what's amazing is that this sucker only displaces 267.9 cid, yet it takes up that much room...when people say that Europeans have always been smarter about engines and efficiency, I just laugh. The first two pics are not mine, the last one I took. Attached Images __________________ '68 Dodge Dart 270, 225, 904, 2.76--"Lucy" 1996 Gmc 1500 Z71, 350, 4l60e, 3.73s 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande 2.5, AX5, 4.10s 1989 Toyota Pickup 22re, auto, 3.73 Last edited by cam.man67; 03-09-2011 at 07:51 AM.

03-09-2011, 01:17 PM	#22
heavy70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: choctaw, oklahoma Posts: 100	Re: Unusual motor swaps... Was thinking about putting my 440 R/B in my truck!!!



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03-09-2011, 01:46 PM	#23
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Unusual motor swaps... When the 88-98 body style was new, I remember one of the truck rags had a pic of an 88 or 89, that had "Like A Rock, With A Ford Block" on the tailgate. Kind of a slap in the face..... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

03-10-2011, 06:33 AM	#24
4x4360 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sandston, Va. Posts: 4	Re: Unusual motor swaps... Recently bought a '67 C10 with a Olds engine installed. Still trying to figure out the size and year. I think it's a mid 50's because it has center bolt valve covers and reverse gear is at the bottom of the gear selector. The previous owner didn't know either. Has plenty of power but I'm looking for a period correct small block to put in.

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