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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 66
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66 GMC Big Block upgrade
ok so i dont wanna sound like i dont know what im doing im 23 im still learning and i will listen to any advice that anyone has for me ive learnt I have a 66 gmc it has the 292 straight 6 in it im not sure exactly what trany I have but its a 4spd with granny and has a posy rear end I am removing my straight 6 and gettin ready to get a big block im curious what modification needs to be done to fit it in will another bell housing work or do I need a bigger tranny does anyone have any recomendations on what wiring harness to use Im not rich after a good harness but cost effective also id like pros and cons to an automatic with a shift kit in it verses a starndard shift like i have atm and recomended transmitions
basically im after a wow factor when i pop the hood thank you for the information ill post pics as I do my progress atm I am removing my engine and getting ready to paint the engine conpartment and id like to install the wire harness while the engine is out to try to hide my wires and any input on how to hide my wire would be much appreciated and any other info that you may think I could use is also welcome Ive never done an engine swap and im doing it all myself like I said all the advice you would like to ride ill take to knowledge ty again |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() ![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3,325
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
Here's a few pictures of the installation I did on my old 65 GMC. I used the 68 69 70 Chevy or GMC BB frame mounts and a stock 63-66 Automatic Cross member. NO trimming or mods to the firewall at all, just a simple bolt in and go.You do want to test fit everything first with the valve covers your going to use as it does get close to the firewall. I used headers but 68 69 70 truck exhaust manifolds and PS brackets all bolt right on with a short water pump. I increased my stock rad to a 4 core. Also ran a TH 400 but most of the overdrive trannys fit also.Also I had my friend at American Autowire make the wire harnesses for the truck, all you do is call them and tell them what your building and they know what to ask you. Try Don Bock over there, HE KNOWS these trucks and wiring them.Keep us posted, love to see your progress. Jon
![]() ![]() ![]() Last edited by 60-66; 12-24-2012 at 10:18 AM. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: North Plains Oregon
Posts: 684
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
I used a BB and th400 out of a 78 truck.
Engine perches are tubular Motor mounts are 70 Vette Trans mount Early Classic Headers Sanderson I had to adjust the Firewall just a little for the vave covers. I wanted the engine as far back as I could get. Hidden wire conduit HomeDepot |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 66
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 66
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
ok so i have been thinking I havent found a block yet im thinkin that it may be more cost effective to use my 92 camaro as a donor and take the 305 with tbi outta it and dump it in the trunk till i can better afford to build a big block the camaro has a hydraulic clutch that i could use in the truck idk if i could use the rear end and the front steering or not for the fact it has 5 lug disk all around also was thinking i could take the gas tank outta the camaro and it would fit under the rear of the truck idk what do you guys think? motor has 120 miles on it but ive smoked everything ive raced with it strong motor strong tranny strong rear end small block isnt the permanent motor for the truck but if I do it ill keep the motor in it 2 years and save to build a sweet big block
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#6 |
60-66 Nut
![]() ![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,247
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
The rear end and steering from the Camaro won't work for your truck. The engine and trans will though.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE |
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#7 |
60-66 Nut
![]() ![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,247
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
Were you looking in the home electrical section? What 66farmer used is called liquid tite flexable conduit.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: AZ
Posts: 146
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
60-66...very nice looking GMC..Wow!
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() ![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3,325
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Posts: 1,925
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
Quote:
Did your GMC end up in Europe, I think I saw pictures of it over there...? ![]() |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() ![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3,325
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
Hi Kieth, Im really not sure. Last I saw the truck it was on EBay at a shop in Chicago. Heres a picture of what it looked like with the billet wheels I later put on it.
![]() After this picture the new owner put a 572/4L60E combo, changed the front cloth seat to leather and changed the GMC lettering on the grille from the red insert to green. There were a few other small changes. He then traded it for a boat but I think it stayed in Chicago for awhile then back on EBay again, so it could very well be over there. If you see it somewhere let me know. Thanks,jon |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 66
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
thank you for the info i greatly appreciate it what size exhaust you guys runnin and are you runnin shorty headers or reg?
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#13 |
Registered User
![]() ![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3,325
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
I ran the same header as 66farmer. Sanderson makes a header that doesnt hang so far below the frame and has nice thick flanges . 2 1/2 inch pipes to the mufflers. Jon
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: shellman bluff,ga
Posts: 250
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
used the same motor mounts and trans cross member as 60 66.i used stock manifolds with 2 1/2 pipes on mime 1963 gmc suburan
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#15 |
60-66 Nut
![]() ![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,247
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
If you want a manual trans with a big block, converting to a hydraulic clutch will be the simplest way to go. I believe the majority of the guys that have went big block, have converted to an auto trans.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 66
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
ty was also wondering if the different brand headers make a difference or if im just paying for a name? and im wanting to go with a 3" exhaust and come out right behind the front tire any problems with that?
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: sparks nv
Posts: 142
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
i used 78 perches and motor mounts . had to notch top rail .. used cpp crossmeber for tranny . used hydro for clutch and tranny is a sagninaw 441 4 speed . headears are super comp for a chevelle fit but not perfect .. if ya want or need pics i ll try and post them. my 454 recently took a crap and got a 61 small journal 327 in it now same mounts and all got to love chevy interchange ...
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64 chevy c10 swb fleet small back window , in progress 454/400 swap , disc front disc rear , and just geting it on the road . 09 ford f350 cc swb 4x4 6.4l , to haul the others home . 2011 chevy hhr not mine but love the milage .. ![]() |
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sidney,b.c.
Posts: 4,425
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
Quote:
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: sparks nv
Posts: 142
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
sorry 62 sj 327 . allthought i have read on a few places like mortech and such were it is a 61-62 block . so very may well be a exp motor .. but good looking out .
__________________
64 chevy c10 swb fleet small back window , in progress 454/400 swap , disc front disc rear , and just geting it on the road . 09 ford f350 cc swb 4x4 6.4l , to haul the others home . 2011 chevy hhr not mine but love the milage .. ![]() |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Surprise AZ
Posts: 28
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Re: 66 GMC Big Block upgrade
pm sent....
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