5.7 Vortec swap

[lt1tyrell]

I have been working on a fixing a few things on a 66 C10. So far it has ben lowered and I did an s10 T5 swap. Now I am looking into swapping a 350 vortec engine in. I want to do it cheap and keep my transmission and bellhousing set up. I am aware that I will need to use an intake manifold for the carb conversion and run an electric fuel pump. Also plan to use an electric fan and old style ram horn exhaust manifolds. So what will I need as far as motor mounts and is there anything else I should be aware of to make the clutch linkage work with the V8? Thanks.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by lt1tyrell

I have been working on a fixing a few things on a 66 C10. So far it has ben lowered and I did an s10 T5 swap. Now I am looking into swapping a 350 vortec engine in. I want to do it cheap and keep my transmission and bellhousing set up. I am aware that I will need to use an intake manifold for the carb conversion and run an electric fuel pump. Also plan to use an electric fan and old style ram horn exhaust manifolds. So what will I need as far as motor mounts and is there anything else I should be aware of to make the clutch linkage work with the V8? Thanks.

Addressing only 1 similar decision/choice that I've encountered: why are you choosing an electric fan vs. an original type fan that attaches to the water pump? And I have encountered both. [My ? concerns keeping it simpler, with less chances for new additional problems, if there is no great or distinct advantage. Plus, it may be cheaper going mechanical.]

BTW: your build sounds really interesting. Please include pictures to help us feel a part of your project.
Sam

[cortcomp]

Clutch linkage should all be the same if you're keeping the bell and it's working now.
But, depending on flywheel height, clutch height and release distance, adapter plates etc, you may be adjusting it in or out further or getting a taller or shorter release bearing.

[lt1tyrell]

Alright thanks guys, I wasn't positive yet on the electric fan. I will be usi g he same bell housing and keeping it in the exact same spot. I also realized I will need a newer style flywheel for the vortec engine. So the stock 6 cylinder mounts will work with a v8 or do I need v8 mounts? Will an HEI clear the firewall doing it this way? Thank you

[KJSR]

The stock mounts will work fine....just did my Vortec swap (carb, stock 4 speed)

[luvbowties]

...and, yes, the HEI clears the firewall--did my present '66 with '97 Vortec and '77 GM HEI.

Glad to hear you were not firm on using the elec. fan. I used a 1-belt serpentine system from a 4.3 v-6 pickup, black crinkle Chev v-covers, matching air cleaner, pass-side ac compressor, and it looks really good under the hood. If u go this route, remember to get a 'reverse-rotation' water pump[like goes on the stock 1-belt serp. system setups--they drive the pumps from the back side of the belt].
Sam

[Captainfab]

The 230/250 I6 motor mounts and corresponding frame brackets are the same as for the V8's. If you happen to have the 292 I6, the passenger side frame bracket will need to be changed. The clutch bellcrank is the same. You will just need the ballstud that screws into the block for that end of the bellcrank. Yes the HEI will fit just fine with the engine in it's original location. Just be sure you wire it correctly. Also, if you have the small I6 radiator that sits on the lower part of the crossmember, that won't cool the 350 very well. The typical V8 radiator with a factory style shroud and a good clutch fan will do just fine.