8.1L and 4L85e swap into a 1972 Custom Camper 4WD

[edgooch]

After thinking it about for 8 years, the swap has begun. My '72 looks good, but it has the original engine in it. The odometer shows 02,XXX miles. I don 't know how many times it has rolled over, but that old 350 is tired. The 8.1 and 4L85 are out of a 2003 3/4T Suburban. The engine has 80,000 miles on it and the tranny has 10,000 miles on i.

I have checked the engine carefully and while doing so, installed a new mid range Comp Cam and lifters. The ECU is off at Howell Engine Development to be reprogrammed.

After assembling parts, the first step was to move the gas tank out of the cab and put it behind the rear axel. I pulled the bed off using an engine hoist and a 4x4 timber "H". Two bags of fertilizer provided the needed balance weight.

The tank is for a 72 suburban. After removing the spare tire brace, it fits right in. The third brace from the back under the bed has to be cut down (up?) to fit over the tank.

More Pictures tomorrow.