L31 vortec crate engine in '72 c20?

[jimbosprint]

What are the things I need to know about putting a L31 vortec crate engine in a '72 c20? Trying to keep it as simple as possible.

I am aware that it requires a different intake, distributor, and needs an electric fuel pump. I am thinking Edelbrock Performer Vortec intake and 1406 Performer 600cfm carb. Will this Summit HEI distributor work, or does it need a special gear? What is the best choice for an electric fuel pump?

Is there anything else that needs to be different for that engine? Will all the brackets and other accessories from my original 350 bolt right on - A/C, power steering, alternator, water pump? Would these Summit headers work with the Vortec heads?

Thanks for any help!

[FirstOwner69]

I used this engine: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008 It has a 670 CFM Holley I'm not sure how the holes in the block and heads compare with the one you are looking at. You'd need to compare. If you run headers that creates other significant problems for your A/C.

On my 69 with ram horns, all the short water pump based brackets except the A/C top compressor braces bolted on. The problem is that the Vortec heads require an intake that is secured with bolts at a 90 degree angle to horizontal. Since there were 2 different A/C bracket sets used from 67-72 it would help if you could post a pic of yours. The brackets I used were the most common, and, I think, the only brackets used by 1972. I fabricated 3 pieces to brace the compressor. I have a template of the most complex one. However, you may need to modify it for an Edelbrock intake. I can post pictures if that would help.

[jimbosprint]

Thanks. Here is a photo of the existing A/C compressor and brackets:

[FirstOwner69]

That's the set I used. The top front compressor brace, the top rear compressor brace and the bracket bolted to the intake bolts will not work with a Vortec head engine. The entire bracket set will not work with headers as far as I can tell.

The pic below shows what I did. The intake bracket for the rear brace was modeled after the bracket used on the earlier bracket set used into 69 on some engines. Note I also used a spacer under the thermostat housing so the height of the bracket would vary based on that and your intake choice.

[FirstOwner69]

Here's a couple other views.