Finally Starting My Engine Swap

[BrentBTK]

Here we go. After a few months of planning and waiting, I started the motor swap on my '71 GMC yesterday. I ordered a Blueprint Crate Engines 350 with a complete accessory setup installed from Summit Racing. Advertised as 365/401 HP/TQ, it dyno'd at 385/409. I also ordered a new flexplate, torque converter, motor mounts, mini starter, and a "direct fit" aluminum radiator with electric fans. We shall see about the direct fit part, lol. Yesterday, I got the old motor out. All in all, it went pretty smooth. All the required bolts were easy to access and remove. It was a tight squeeze getting the motor out with everything still installed on the front, but she eventually slid out. Today will be spent cleaning up the engine bay and getting everything prepped. Tomorrow I hope to get the new motor ready to go in, and I hope to install it Sunday. I did have one mishap when trying to move the hoist and old motor over uneven ground in the driveway. I had the motor too high and was trying to swing it around and down she went. Thankfully nothing was damaged except my ego. This is the kind of stuff that happens when you insist on doing everything by yourself. Lesson learned. I have a friend coming Sunday to provide a strong back and weak mind, hehe. I DO NOT want that to happen with the brand new motor swinging around! Pics below. I'll be posting here along the way, and I'm sure things are going to come up that get me stumped, so stay tuned...