Need help!! Wanting to swap my v6 for a v8..

[Big Dawgs 86]

I found a 1986 chevy Monte Carlo v8 motor for cheap.. But was wondering if anyone knows if it would be a direct fit.. Or can anyone help me out with what I would need to swap my v6 for a v8 on my 1986 c10 stepper.. I want to find a small block 350 that I can rebuild.. What cars or trucks can I get one out of at a yard?
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[Willowrun]

I'd pass on the Monte V8 as it is a 305. IMO unless you want to have the experience of rebuilding a motor, a crate or already rebuilt one on CL would leave you time and money ahead.
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[Big Dawgs 86]

What do I need to look for in a crate or rebuild motor.. To know that it will fit my truck.. Like year and what not..
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[motornut]

is it a good deal?
you can use the 305 lots have them
get your swap done with it,then drop in a new 350

i'd take a mom n pop 305 is prob better then some kids 350!

[Rufton]

I'm putting a brand new (not reman) K2500 chevy vortec 350 4 bolt in parents 1999 K1500.
12530283 L31 HD Engine $1940 to the door.
I think it can be had cheaper w/ other vendors.
Fine looking engine w/ GM 3year 100,000 mile warranty if meet fine print and GM in good mood.
HD exhaust valves and seats. Brass freeze plugs. Oil pump shaft. 4 Qt pan. Valve covers. No mechanical fuel pump. Requires vortec style intake. Timing covers and did I mention 4 bolt. Seems like a sweet deal.

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

The 305 will fit, but you will need the flex plate / flywheel that fits it. You can use your wire harness but you will need to lengthen some of the wire to fit the V8. I believe the motor mounts are the same, but I think they need to be moved? You should really find a V8 radiator from the another 80s truck, or simply purchase a new one for your truck with a V8.

Most of the above changes apply to a 350 as well.

I'm probably forgetting something here, so maybe someone else can lend some info on the swap, I know its not a huge project since these trucks did come with 305s

In my personal opinion find a good running 350 and do the swap with that, I find the 305s are best used as boat anchors. Don't get me wrong they are a good running motor, but not something I would swap into anything, even if I was replacing an another 305

-Sam

[86c20]

ok guys the 305 is a good motor when used right. not for power doing burn outs pulling or showing off but more for crusing gitting maybe better fuel milage and also as a counter weight when the rod comes out lol. i had 1 in my 78 monte it was ok never had a problem. but i pulled it when it need valve seals and put in a new 350 i had.

now with that being said to the swap. if you are going v6 to v8 it is a straight drop in and you can even re use the rad hoses if you are that cheap. wires should make it dont remember having to langhen any before exhaust should bolt up to the y pipe.
like was said you should get the big rad. v6 and 305 trucks have small ones i think2 core. had one in my c20 didnt work to well with the 350 and towing. droped in a used 6.2/ big block/ 350 rad no problems ever.
you can have the motor out and in in a day long day with ease. but take your time replace what needs to be replace. fuel pump remain pan gasket hoses and ALL fuel lines that are rubber. i did all my swaps with the trans in the trucks and just pulled the motor only thing is that way you have to pull the rad and you are good to go