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Old 02-15-2012, 10:55 PM   #1
josen1982
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v8 conversion ?

Hello, kinda new here. I dont own a chevy truck yet and have been looking to buy a project truck for a while now. Ran across some good deals but on trucks with a v6. I was wondering if its a lot of trouble to convert it to a v8. Have any of you guys here done it, and what all does it take and roughly around how much $ would it cost. Thanx in advance.
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Old 02-16-2012, 08:05 AM   #2
motornut
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Re: v8 conversion ?

a list to think about
block and tranny
may have to replace the rear end gear
exhaust
cost depends what you put in,but selling the V6 would help with that
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Old 02-16-2012, 08:13 AM   #3
Goldfinger
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Re: v8 conversion ?

if using new engines and transmissions it can get expensive. exhaust can eat you alive depending if you have to smog or not. but using used parts and having a good donor it can be relatively cheap.
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Old 02-16-2012, 09:31 AM   #4
old Rusty C10
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Re: v8 conversion ?

the cheapest way possible is going from a 4.3 V6 to a SBC its basically bolt up and go.. you will need a new Y pipe or headers and exhaust everything else should interchange
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Old 02-16-2012, 11:49 AM   #5
Weasel Diesel
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Re: v8 conversion ?

I just got done with the 4.3 to 350 swap on my 86 c10. Here's what I dealt with....

Go to boneyard and get L6/V8 frame pedistals for motor mounts to bolt to (V6 is different )

V8 motor mounts & clamshells.

The trans. can bolt up to the V8 Ok. Flywheel depends on whether you are running 2 piece rear main or 1 piece engine.

If you run full length headers, the drivers side exits straight into the crossmember and you will need to get custom exh. ( I am in kahoots with Walker exhaust right now getting a kit here they say will work. We'll see ). None of my local custom muffler shops would touch it because they said that because I changed the engine, it did not conform to the factory emissions standards.

I was able to reuse the pullies, brackets and stuff for the alt, PS, stuff. Throttle cabe did ok as my 4.3 was a QJ.

New radiator and fan shroud for V8

Of course different hoses for cooling system

Probably a few other missc things I am forgetting.

My advice..... start with a V8 truck. You are WAY better off. All of this stuff adds up QUICKLY.
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Old 02-16-2012, 10:39 PM   #6
josen1982
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Re: v8 conversion ?

thanx for the info guys, but i just came across a good deal on a 87 v8 today at work so i might be getting it tomorrow. It needs a bit of work but thats fine since im looking for a project.
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Old 02-17-2012, 12:59 AM   #7
andrewmp6
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Re: v8 conversion ?

Yeah its cheaper and easier to buy a v8 truck from the start and these trucks are still kinda cheap to buy.
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