Engine Swap

[pebbleboy]

Thinking about swapping my 400 small block for a 454.
Probably won't happen till after the snow is gone though.
I have a bunch of questions. The engine will be from a 79 Chevy 2500 RCLB.
I will need new motor mounts for a big block correct?
I have a TH700R4 tranny in the truck now. Will that bolt up to the new engine? Or should I use the tranny in that truck (I don't know what tranny it has in it?) Is the radiator I have now enough to cool that engine properly or should I look for an upgrade?
Also I was thinking about upgrading to a TPI or MPFI later. Is that still a good plan with a 454 or should I stay with the carburetor?
Also will the HEI I have now fit on the 454?

Any other suggestions to look at or any other things to look at?
I'm still trying to make up my mind and look at everything before I decide. Plus I want to start filling up a closet with parts if I decide.

[pebbleboy]

Anyone?

[Tx Firefighter]

Tranny will bolt up to the big block. It may prove to be too weak in the long run depending on how you treat it. The 454 is probably in front of a Turbo 400 trans now unless someone changed it out previously. It's much tougher than the 700r4, but no overdrive.

HEI is the same for the 454 and your current small block.

You'll need factory 68-72 big block mounts.

[pebbleboy]

Thanks for the help.
It looks like the motor mounts are gonna be the biggest cost so far.
I think I am gettiing closer to going for the swap.

[llegos]

ok, just wondering...if he wanted, could he swap over to a 4l80e?

[roj2323]

well actuly why not use the brackets off of the 79? here's a link on how to do it:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=128765
and if you have any questions just ask.

ondrew

[Tx Firefighter]

He can absolutely use the 4L80E, but they run well over 2k bucks to get one going. They need a computer to control them, hence the "E" in the name.

Pebbleboy, I've swapped big blocks into these trucks before. I wrote an article in the FAQ section called "big block mounts for cheap". If you'll read it, I show how to use small block rubbers with big block stands to achieve the result for 100 dollars or less. Plus, from that point foreward, you can use the common 7 dollar small block rubbers, instead of the stupid expensive big block rubbers if you ever need to replace them.

[pebbleboy]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Pebbleboy, I've swapped big blocks into these trucks before. I wrote an article in the FAQ section called "big block mounts for cheap". If you'll read it, I show how to use small block rubbers with big block stands to achieve the result for 100 dollars or less. Plus, from that point foreward, you can use the common 7 dollar small block rubbers, instead of the stupid expensive big block rubbers if you ever need to replace them.

I read that last night.

Are the 72 only mounts better to use though? Whats the difference between the two?