Engine swap

[heathbirkendahl]

Can someone tell me if the newer (valve cover bolts in middle vs on the sides) will work with my 1971 brackets?

Can you tell me any gotchas on using the newer style block vs the old?
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[FirstOwner69]

With A/C? Short water pump?

[heathbirkendahl]

No AC and Short water pump. Thanks!
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[hugger6933]

You should not have ant problems. There are thousands of these trucks with the early heads with serpentine belt setups on them so why would they not go the othe way and put the early brackets on the newer head. There are a few things to look out for though, the intake pattern is a little different on the center bolt holes but that is no biggie the intake can be ground to handle that. That is unless you have got your hands on a set of Vortec heads then that is another story altogether. The intake pattern on it is completely different and you will need a different intake and you can tell by it only having8 intake bolt holes total on the whole intake. That will be 2 at each corner. if you have gotten those Vortec heads Congrats it is def worth buying a new intake for, they are worth about 30 hp over the stock regular head with out any other changes. Jim

[heathbirkendahl]

Thank you Jim! I think I'm gonna buy a turn key motor with a manifold already installed.

Oh...What about headers? Will they bolt up to the newer heads?
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[70CHEVYBB]

just put one in my 72 from a 96 1/2 ton. I used a long water pump with a mid 70's alt bracket and original pwr str pump.

[heathbirkendahl]

70,

Did you have a long water pump before? Also, have any pic to share?

Anyone have pics they could share?
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[FirstOwner69]

I'm putting a GMPP crate 350 with Vortec heads and intake in my 69. I was able to use the original brackets for everything but the A/C. 69s came with 2 different style A/C bracket sets. Mine were unique to 67-69 (I think). The other style was what is commonly found on 71s and 72s. I was able to convert to the 72 style except for the 2 braces that attach the top of the compressor (front and back) to the top of the head and intake. I had to fabricate those due to the different intake bolt locations and angle. Since you don't have the A/C , you should be fine. Ramhorn manifolds also bolted right up so I assume headers should also be fine.

Also, I have a short water pump.

[heathbirkendahl]

AWESOME!!! Thank you so much! Can you post some pics when you get a chance? I'd love to see how it comes out.