396 Engine option...opinions

[sscooter]

Guys, since the 3.8 Supercharged Buick swap is not going to happen, I guess I have to look elsewhere....something a little more "Conventional".

I want to get something lined up before this winter so I have everything ready and dont end up w/out my truck come next spring. As stated before, the 350 in it is T-I-R-E-D

I have the opportunity to buy a '69 GMC 3/4 ton pickup with the Factory 396/400 combo from a friend of mine. The engine runs strong and the 400 tranny works fine but for some reason does not "lock" in PARK. He bought it solely because of the engine/tranny to swap into his now long-sold '70 shortbox. 5 years later and he said I could have the whole '69 for what he has into it.

the engine has some cool bolt-on stuff Edelbrock valvecovers, 1406 carb, Hooker headers, hei, etc...and is close to being "turn-key" with a few new gaskets and seals.

The Questions!!

I have never owned anything with a Big Block and was wondering your guys' opinions on if this would be a cool option for my '65 c10?

Ehat could the "lock in PARK" problem be with the 400 tranny?

finally, what would a "Fair" price be for a running 396 engine, etc?

thanks in advance!

[protrash64]

Without knowing the history of the engine, I would say fair is 500-1K. Thats what I see them around here, anyway. Hell yeah its a cool option!! Check out my 'burb thread to see my install on a 454. Having a complete truck would make it easier, IMO.

Dont know about the trans, but I've heard of this happening; possible shift linkage out of adjustment?? Seems too easy but one never knows.

[66 lwb cs]

Seen just the engines for around 400 around here but thats a stock motor no goodies the trannys for around 200 so I would guess 800 would be fair for a non turn key with a busted tranny and some add on goodies. As for doing it hell ya thats what I want to do some day as close to a 572 as I can ever afford lol. And it's a nice wow factor when you pop the hood and see it all dressed up

[chevyrestoguy]

It sounds like the park pawl is broken in the trans. Pretty simple fix, cheap parts. It might even be the roll pin the secures the park pawl, and that's an even cheaper fix. If you can pick up the engine/trans for cheap, do it. I'd try to stay at $750 max, but offer $500 and work your way up from there.

With today's gas prices, you almost can't give a big block away. It's a shame because they are great engines.

[sscooter]

cool..

I will be able to re-coup some $$ with whats left of the '69 carcass and will use what I can for the swap.
The '69 also has a power brake setup I'll be able to use.

Do you think Ill be able to just use the motor mounts from the '69? or will something else be needed. My truck was originally a 6 cyl and there is already some bodgery as far as the current motor mount setup. Works fine, and has for the last 30 years, but......


Jeff, I checked out your Burb build... thanks for that. Very cool truck.

I lived in Tempe for a year and really miss it during the winter.......uh, not so much in the heart of the summer lol.


Ill be coming back here a lot for advice and help guys...so bear with me.
This will be the first time Ive seriously messed around with a a car/truck. Ive always just driven and maintained what I had.
Built plenty of motorcycles, but nothing with 4 wheels before.

[knuckledragger]

I have a 396/402 in my 65.I paid 650 for the engine and trans turnkey.The engine is fairly worn out ,but it does run good.Something to consider is the need for an upgraded cooling system.I have a new 3 row brass in mine and it runs 220-230 when it is hot outside.The four row was another $150.If only I had had the additional $150.I have no clearance issues with valve covers or headers.It looks like it belongs in it.Good luck and have fun with the swap.
Dan

[protrash64]

I think you should be able to use the '69 motor perch/mount set-up. You could use stock inline six perches as long as they are not the offset 292's.

[Captainfab]

I would suggest using the big block motor mounts that are in the '69. That is assuming the truck was an original big block truck. You'll be able to use the trans crossmember also. You'll need to trim the top flange of the frame on both sides of the engine for exhaust manifold/ header clearance. You can use the '69 frame for reference as to how much and where to trim.

[sscooter]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I would suggest using the big block motor mounts that are in the '69. That is assuming the truck was an original big block truck. You'll be able to use the trans crossmember also. You'll need to trim the top flange of the frame on both sides of the engine for exhaust manifold/ header clearance. You can use the '69 frame for reference as to how much and where to trim.

that is excellent info.

Yes, the engine is original to the truck. Ill post up some pics once I get the
'69 home...

thanks guys.