454 going into 71 C10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**FL71C10** · 06-24-2010, 04:00 PM

OK, you gas hogs have convinced me to put a 454 in my 71 SWB stepside. Now I need help. What will I need to make it fit? The motor I think I am going to get is currently in a 1990 motor home. I think I'd like to keep the stock exhaust manifolds if possible. Will that make it easier? I guess I need to get engine stands to bolt the motor mounts to. I saw somewhere on here that someone bought some tubular ones that they wer ehappy with. The trans is a turbo 400 so my automatic crossmemember should fit, right? What about power brakes and power steering pump and brakcet clearances. Will I need a special smaller booster to run power brakes?

I'm guessing I should get the driveshaft from the motor home but will have to modify it. I don't know about the radiator fan or any of those things yet.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

capev86 · 06-24-2010, 04:28 PM

i would suggest you use the manifolds from a 67-72 big block truck or get some custom headers that will fit.

i don't know why anyone messes with a turbo 350 or turbo 400 anymore with the price of gas. you can swap a beefed up 200-4r for a t350 and i believe a 700-r4/4l60 for a 400 w/out messing with the driveshaft length.

mrh33916 · 06-24-2010, 04:36 PM

I'm running the big brake booster with short valve covers with no problems, my powersteering pump clears the frame ok.
You will need a 4 row radiator with the big block.

**FL71C10** · 06-24-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrh33916

I'm running the big brake booster with short valve covers with no problems, my powersteering pump clears the frame ok.
You will need a 4 row radiator with the big block.

mrh33916:

What engine stands/brackets did you use?

**FL71C10** · 06-24-2010, 04:42 PM

Is a 454 a "Tall Deck" motor? If so, will that cause clearance problems?

**Dieselwrencher** · 06-24-2010, 04:45 PM

There are not any 454 tall deck engines. Only 366 and 427 tall decks. If your intake has a thermostat with 2 thermostats then it is a tall deck. If it only has a single thermostat then it is just a short deck.

mrh33916 · 06-24-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL71C10

mrh33916:

What engine stands/brackets did you use?

73-87 clamshells for engine mounts,

'86 long waterpump and brackets for access.

**FL71C10** · 06-24-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrh33916

73-87 clamshells for engine mounts,

'86 long waterpump and brackets for access.

Did you have to use different engine stands? I'm hoping I will be able to use all of the accessories and brackets that come on the engine.

**FL71C10** · 06-24-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

There are not any 454 tall deck engines. Only 366 and 427 tall decks. If your intake has a thermostat with 2 thermostats then it is a tall deck. If it only has a single thermostat then it is just a short deck.

Thanks Dieselwrencher.

rollinhard · 06-24-2010, 05:28 PM

Chevy does make a 454 tall deck block but its a race prep'd gen v bowtie block and if you have one of those youd be stylin

Shyguy · 06-24-2010, 05:41 PM

When we put a '73 454 out of a C-20 in my '71 lwb stepper we used the motor mounts from the '73. The stock exhaust manifolds would not clear the clutch linkage so we went with headers.

When we mated the engine to the old 4 speed transmission we let the engine settle and drilled new holes for the motor mounts. The firewall clearance was good and so was the fan clutch to radiator.

We used the complete 454 including the water pump, power steering pump and clutch fan. My '71 already had a 3 core radiator and the engine runs real cool. We used the temperature sending unit from the 350 that was in my truck.

We also used the fan shroud from the '73 but had to notch it for crank pulley, power steering pulley and alternator pulley.

Good luck.

petey-pablo · 06-25-2010, 04:23 AM

You don't need a special smaller booster to run power brakes? I used a stock one for my 72 454BB Im also running headers and some nice tall valve covers.I am useing 72BigBlock Motormounts though I do not know if the 71Big Block motor mounts and towers will interfear with headers or manifolds or frame. I have heard that 73-87 engine mounts are simular to the 72's and work great.

cdowns · 06-25-2010, 06:50 AM

1990?? is this a carb or injected motor? does the motor have provision for a fuel pump?// if available get as much stuff as possible from the donor vehicle

**FL71C10** · 06-25-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

1990?? is this a carb or injected motor? does the motor have provision for a fuel pump?// if available get as much stuff as possible from the donor vehicle

It is a carbed engine from a motorhome. Must be one of the last ones without fuel injection.

scoots71 · 10-16-2015, 09:33 PM

Has anyone tried 73 up headers in 67-72 2wd
Posted via Mobile Device

SeniorVerde · 10-19-2015, 04:45 PM

I have used Headers from a 73-87 (1976 actually) and they worked ok when I was mocking the same 454 in my 71 (transplanted from the '76.
Only bummer is that I don't know who made them or what they were actually meant for.

scoots71 · 10-19-2015, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeniorVerde

I have used Headers from a 73-87 (1976 actually) and they worked ok when I was mocking the same 454 in my 71 (transplanted from the '76.
Only bummer is that I don't know who made them or what they were actually meant for.

I see your using the tall valve covers how do they fit ?

Posted via Mobile Device

SeniorVerde · 10-19-2015, 05:34 PM

The valve covers are close but there is clearance. I thought about doing a bit of body work to the firewall, but I'm going to call it good.
Truck got sidelined for a bit while I work on my jeep, so we aren't running yet, but I'm using factory 71 big block mounts and we seem to be OK so far

06-24-2010, 04:00 PM	#1
FL71C10 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 2,509	454 going into 71 C10 OK, you gas hogs have convinced me to put a 454 in my 71 SWB stepside. Now I need help. What will I need to make it fit? The motor I think I am going to get is currently in a 1990 motor home. I think I'd like to keep the stock exhaust manifolds if possible. Will that make it easier? I guess I need to get engine stands to bolt the motor mounts to. I saw somewhere on here that someone bought some tubular ones that they wer ehappy with. The trans is a turbo 400 so my automatic crossmemember should fit, right? What about power brakes and power steering pump and brakcet clearances. Will I need a special smaller booster to run power brakes? I'm guessing I should get the driveshaft from the motor home but will have to modify it. I don't know about the radiator fan or any of those things yet. Any thoughts or suggestions? __________________ 71 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside. LT1 with 4l60E. Just got back from painter, in assembly now.

06-24-2010, 04:28 PM	#2
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 i would suggest you use the manifolds from a 67-72 big block truck or get some custom headers that will fit. i don't know why anyone messes with a turbo 350 or turbo 400 anymore with the price of gas. you can swap a beefed up 200-4r for a t350 and i believe a 700-r4/4l60 for a 400 w/out messing with the driveshaft length.

06-24-2010, 04:36 PM	#3
mrh33916 Project '67 454 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Columbia SC Posts: 283	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 I'm running the big brake booster with short valve covers with no problems, my powersteering pump clears the frame ok. You will need a 4 row radiator with the big block. __________________ 67 C-10 SWB Fleetside 454 (current project) 99 Crewcab SWB Dually 454 75 Datsun 280ZZ430 94 Formula 232LS 454

06-24-2010, 04:42 PM	#5
FL71C10 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 2,509	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 Is a 454 a "Tall Deck" motor? If so, will that cause clearance problems? __________________ 71 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside. LT1 with 4l60E. Just got back from painter, in assembly now.

06-24-2010, 04:45 PM	#6
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 There are not any 454 tall deck engines. Only 366 and 427 tall decks. If your intake has a thermostat with 2 thermostats then it is a tall deck. If it only has a single thermostat then it is just a short deck. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

06-24-2010, 05:28 PM	#10
rollinhard Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: British Columbia Posts: 192	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 Chevy does make a 454 tall deck block but its a race prep'd gen v bowtie block and if you have one of those youd be stylin __________________ If you can't impress them with your inteligence, dazzle'm with your stupidity 1969 GMC lwb 2wheel drive can you say big stroker motor to come hehe

06-24-2010, 05:41 PM	#11
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 When we put a '73 454 out of a C-20 in my '71 lwb stepper we used the motor mounts from the '73. The stock exhaust manifolds would not clear the clutch linkage so we went with headers. When we mated the engine to the old 4 speed transmission we let the engine settle and drilled new holes for the motor mounts. The firewall clearance was good and so was the fan clutch to radiator. We used the complete 454 including the water pump, power steering pump and clutch fan. My '71 already had a 3 core radiator and the engine runs real cool. We used the temperature sending unit from the 350 that was in my truck. We also used the fan shroud from the '73 but had to notch it for crank pulley, power steering pulley and alternator pulley. Good luck. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

06-25-2010, 04:23 AM	#12
petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Fremont Ca. Posts: 1,025	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 You don't need a special smaller booster to run power brakes? I used a stock one for my 72 454BB Im also running headers and some nice tall valve covers.I am useing 72BigBlock Motormounts though I do not know if the 71Big Block motor mounts and towers will interfear with headers or manifolds or frame. I have heard that 73-87 engine mounts are simular to the 72's and work great. Attached Images __________________ Petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" 1972 Cheyenne 10 Short Fleet Side Front 2.5inch Spindles with 2inch Springs Rear 4inch drop Springs. 454BBC TH400,Posi 1971 Cheyenne 10 Long Fleet Side 454BBC TH350,Posi Sold Drive it like you stole it! Petey-pablo@sbcglobal.net

06-25-2010, 06:50 AM	#13
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 1990?? is this a carb or injected motor? does the motor have provision for a fuel pump?// if available get as much stuff as possible from the donor vehicle __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-16-2015, 09:33 PM	#15
scoots71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: ronhert park californa Posts: 31	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 Has anyone tried 73 up headers in 67-72 2wd Posted via Mobile Device

10-19-2015, 04:45 PM	#16
SeniorVerde Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Carnation, Wa Posts: 142	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 I have used Headers from a 73-87 (1976 actually) and they worked ok when I was mocking the same 454 in my 71 (transplanted from the '76. Only bummer is that I don't know who made them or what they were actually meant for.

10-19-2015, 05:34 PM	#18
SeniorVerde Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Carnation, Wa Posts: 142	Re: 454 going into 71 C10 The valve covers are close but there is clearance. I thought about doing a bit of body work to the firewall, but I'm going to call it good. Truck got sidelined for a bit while I work on my jeep, so we aren't running yet, but I'm using factory 71 big block mounts and we seem to be OK so far

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