I6 to V8 location

[1972BackInBlackC10]

Im getting ready to move my motor to the v8 position, the 350 is currently in the I6 location. I have all the parts on the way and im just wondering if im going to need a longer drive shaft?

its a 350 with th350 currently in the I6 position, has a 2 piece drive shaft as it has coils. Truck is also lowered 4 inches in the front and 5 inches in the back, is my only option another 2 piece from a truck with a 350/350 combo? just want to know what my options are

[kaycee]

May run into problems if your running headers

[1972BackInBlackC10]

i have shorty headers and the truck doesnt have the exhaust done yet

[Tx Firefighter]

You're going to need a longer driveshaft when you move the engine forward. You can find a used one and refurb it or have a driveline shop make you a new one.

[grancuda]

Why move it? I have had 2 C10's and both had 350 in the I6 location, no issues.

[steelhorse]

Are you having issues with the current location? Typically the further back an engine is the better it handles.

[07travis]

I have a sbc in my c10 right now. It had an I6 but I left the mounts where they were so I didn't have to mess with the driveshaft. The distributor's a little close to the firewall for my comfort, but I can get my fingers between the cap and firewall. Does anyone else have this issue? If so have you had any problems with the cap getting broke?

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by 07travis

I have a sbc in my c10 right now. It had an I6 but I left the mounts where they were so I didn't have to mess with the driveshaft. The distributor's a little close to the firewall for my comfort, but I can get my fingers between the cap and firewall. Does anyone else have this issue? If so have you had any problems with the cap getting broke?

I've had a number of trucks with the same configuration. Its close, but clearance is sufficient. Never cracked a distributor cap. Make sure you have good rubbers in your motor mounts.

[Lattimer]

Mine is in the I-6 position and no issues. I thought about moving it forward but didn't want to mess around with the clutch linkage. Dizzy is a little hard to work on, but doable. Plenty of room between my HEI cap and the firewall.

[1972BackInBlackC10]

damage is already done I ordered the parts on mon lol there is clearance but it is tight I have trouble with my hands so when I need to do a tune up or when I go to upgrade my distributor this will make things easier.

I'm also moving it ahead so the fan will actually sit in the shroud, I know iv had several people tell me to use electric fans but I prefer not to its just one less thing to worry about failing, also im kind of anal hen it come to small things like this it actually bother me a bit that its not in the right spot lol

so I will get a drive shaft from a truck that came factory with a v8, is there any way I can put a one piec on it from a newer model? iv heard different opinions on this, we don't have a place in town that does work on drive shafts or makes them so it would have to be of something the right length

[grancuda]

Cool, you will have more room for dist work.
The 4x4 v8 came in the I6 position & the fan shroud is longer to make up the difference in it being back. Just did a tune up on the HEI cap/rotor/module/wires & it was close but easy once I sat in the fender well.

[airbrushguy]

I'm at this same spot in my build, I was going to use the 6cyl mounts but I do understand the fan shroud problem. Is there a stock fan shroud that extends further to allow the fan to sink into it better? If not, how much extension do you think would be needed on the pulley?
Any chance you could show us pics of the front and back fit?
Thanks

[grancuda]

Yes, the 4x4 V8 shroud fits as this I6 position is the factory V8 mounting spot.

[GMB1985]

This may sound dumb but what is the i6 pos as I'm wanting to convert my v6 to v8 soon and would like to stick with the same drive shaft

[airbrushguy]

Originally Posted by grancuda

Yes, the 4x4 V8 shroud fits as this I6 position is the factory V8 mounting spot.

Is it reproduced or difficult to find?

[grancuda]

Originally Posted by airbrushguy

Is it reproduced or difficult to find?

LMC lists one on thier site.

[volksworld]

gmb1985, the i6 is longer than a v8....so the rear crossmember where the bellhousing mounts (on a manual) is further back on the 6....the"right" way to do the job is to replace that crossmember with the v8 one that mounts further forward and is shaped differently cause the frame rails are at a different angle in that location....but there is enough firewall clearance to leave the bellhousing where it is and just install the v8 further back....doesn't work with a big block though...

[airbrushguy]

Maybe dumb.....is the 350 trans from the 6cyl. going to bolt right up to the 305 v8?
Thanks

[GMB1985]

Ok thanks one more question will the engine mounts stay in the same place or do you move them forward and will I have to get new engine mounts to convert my 6 banger to a 350