'77 Van pieces interchange with '72 GMC

[grancuda]

I am looking at buying a '77 Chevy 1/2 ton van for $500 that has the stock motor rebuilt with about 2 years worth of miles and was parked 4 years ago. I am trying to decide what all I can use to convert my I6 to a 350 on my '72 GMC 1/2 ton. I think I am going to leave mine a 3 speed manual for now but haven't decided for sure, wouldn't mind doing a 700R4.

pros: early style HEI, early style 350 manifolds-not 305 logs, 6 month of use on a new Edelbrock carb, good base engine for a daily driver.

unsure: will the motor mounts work from the van or will my stock straight 6 mounts work with the 350, will the crank be drilled for the pilot bushing, how will my Z-bar mount up, will the crank of the 350 be drilled the same as my 250 I6 for the flywheel, will the radiator fit-the top mounts look the same, if I use the turbo 350 will my cross member mount up to it, can I rob the swaybar from it and put it on mine, could I save the calipers for mine for spares as well as the spindles/hubs/discs????????

cons: getting rid of the turd van when I am done

[see ten]

We tried to swap a van swaybar over once and it wasn't even close.

[1969k10stepside]

For $500 I think it would be worth it.The motor would be worth half that.I got about $200 for one van minus drivetrain scrapped.Dont forget it should have a tilt column easily adapted to a truck!

[Longhorn Man]

you could sell the tranny for 150 or so
The seats may be of value to you
if it has a tilt, it's the one that works
if it doesn't have a tilt, the fiber optic cable for the perndl (P RND21) indicator will work on your truck, or mose stuff to sell.
Heard of ppl using the rad
heard of ppl using the shroud
no idea on motor mount stands
engine is a no brainer.
Manifolds may or may not be useable in the truck frame
I don't think you'll be able to use anything in the front suspention


if you use the 3 speed, it would be easiest to place the 350 in the inline 6 location...you can use the stands that are there already (assuming 250 and not 292)