69 truck converting a 350 to a 396

[ruggirello81]

I have a 1969 chevy shortbed c-10 with a 350. I want to put in a 396. What all do I need to switch around. for example coil springs in the front, please help

[70k52wd]

I'm interested as well.
From what I know, and it's not much. You will need the motor stands, and motor mounts. You'll move your trans cross member back for the t-400 trans, you'll probably need the t-400 trans mount as well. I think you'll need a high hump trans floor pan as well. If your going for a stock cooling system, you'll need a BB radiator and fan shroud. Depends on what your accessories are, but you'll need alt , p/s brackets. You'll need pulleys from big block, or a serpentine set up. Exhaust manifolds if your not running headers.
I'm sure there is more, but this is what I have gathered up so far.
Anybody with more info would be appreciated.

[mclairmo]

I have a 396 in my 67 Camaro and a 350 in my 68 C10 and that 396 likes to run hot. Be sure that you are aware of this tendency and build for it. Big blocks will be harder to cool. Make sure the cooling passages are clear. Some had casting slag in them. I would also suggest running the factory cooling system, such as a new 4 core radiator, factory BB shroud, large factory clutch fan, etc. Also be sure to run the factory pulley set up so that the water pump rotates at the correct speed. Underdrive pulleys will lead to overheating. Make sure your crank pulley is larger than the water pump pulley. Also, make sure to reduce underhood temps, like using cast iron exhaust manifolds or at least ceramic coated headers. Good luck.

[brothers69c-10]

I'm pretty sure you don't need the high hump floor pan. I thinks thats only for manual trannys. Don't think i've ever seen a factory high hump automatic. For the engine stands and mounts there are two different styles. There are the old style for the 67-71 and the 72's. Now the problem i've ran into for the 72 ones is that no auto parts store like napa oreilly's or the such can find the motor mounts themselves. Their computers tell them that gm never put a big block in a 72 truck which we all know is alot of bull and the guy at the auto parts store wanted to argue with me over it. so anyway.They are 72 specific. From what i found they only used them that year and only on the trucks. The only place i've found them so far is LMC. They are $15 a piece.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by brothers69c-10

I'm pretty sure you don't need the high hump floor pan. I thinks thats only for manual trannys. Don't think i've ever seen a factory high hump automatic.

Most big block truck I have seen had a factory high hump. It's not required, the 400 will still fit, but at least from what I have seen they did come that way.

R/

[BossHogg69]

I had a TH400 in my "69 truck with a low hump and it fit fine. Came with a 307/PG stock.

[my67chevytruck]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Most big block truck I have seen had a factory high hump. It's not required, the 400 will still fit, but at least from what I have seen they did come that way.

R/

My parts truck is a BB auto and it has the highhump as well....

[71 super]

you will need bb fan shroud, bb frame stands -68-71 are moe plentiful but the actual mount is extremely expensive, the 72 only stands are really expensive but the mounts are cheap, new fuel pump and line to carb, pulleys for either long water pump or short (short are more expensive and harder to find) correct brackets for accessories- again eithe long or short water pump based. Th 400 mount and move crossmember to rear munting holes, th400 shift bracket or redrill and engineer to make th350 linkage work, different driveshaft. Do not worry about cab hump as th400 will fit w/o problems. Good luck.

[extd56]

On a 69 you will probably need to upgrade to better brakes too and maybe use a 3/4 ton booster. You will also need the gas pedal for the 400 transmission kickdown. The big block alt. and P/S brackets are expensive for the factory short water pump along with the upper and lower pulleys and if you want it to look factory you will need the power steering pump that has the reservior on the fender. The shroud is a lot different too on the big block. The best thing to do is to get a donor with everything that you need.

[Rippin-J]

I have a 396 and love it, but why are you looking to convert? not hating on your project, just used to seeing people go the OTHER way!!

Here, call this guy -http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1215129927.html and you'll have every part you'll need, PLUS you can swap that 350 over to the GMC and sell it. You might even come out even if you're lucky!

[ruggirello81]

I just want to go with a 396. I like the torque.

[extd56]

The 400 is a electric kickdown that runs off the gas pedal