Time it takes to swap a crate engine - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LSUMurse · 11-25-2013, 11:31 PM

I'm going to swap in a GM 350 crate into my '68. She currently has a 307 with a Powerglide, P/S (I put in), P/B (I put in), no A/C.

I'm thinking it should be a pretty simple yank and drop.

About how much time should I plan for this adventure?

heathbirkendahl · 11-25-2013, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSUMurse

I'm going to swap in a GM 350 crate into my '68. She currently has a 307 with a Powerglide, P/S (I put in), P/B (I put in), no A/C.

I'm thinking it should be a pretty simple yank and drop.

About how much time should I plan for this adventure?

Thats a good question. Took 8 hours to get mine out and new one in. Over a couple days. But it some paint touch up.

zeldman · 11-26-2013, 12:00 AM

Plan 2 days and dont get in a hurry, take your time and do it right.

Lattimer · 11-26-2013, 01:24 AM

Weekend job with a helper.

litew8 · 11-26-2013, 03:01 AM

A day (10 hrs) with 2 people. Less if using air tools.

NC_John · 11-26-2013, 05:06 AM

Completely depends on the condition of your truck (what state of restoration) and what else you end up doing while you are in there. Cleaning, servicing/rebuilding/painting other components, etc. You changing out the engine mounts? Transmission mounts? Prepare for "scope-creep." My engine freshening was supposed to take 3-4 days. I'm looking at 3-4 weeks now with all the stuff I added to the job.

If you busted your @ss and only did the R&R of the engine, one very long day is possible.

TinTop · 11-26-2013, 09:49 AM

I just did a BB to SB crate motor swap last weekend. I got the motor out and in in 10 hrs. The next two days were taken dealing with accessory instal. I have air on mine. Do your homework and get all the little things together (mounts, pulleys,hoses set before, and it will go smooth as gravel

bbcmudtruck · 11-26-2013, 10:48 AM

Is your crate engine complete and ready to drop in? Or do you need to add all the accessories and such? The questions asked above are going to completely dictate how long it takes. If you are simply going to swap motors, and your new motor is completely ready to go, 6 hours or less. If your going to paint, clean up grease, oil, dirt etc, I'd plan on two 8 hour days. If you have the correct tools, it really doesn't take that much time. About three or four weeks ago I pulled my motor, cleaned up entire engine bay with degreaser and power washed it. Waited for it to dry, painted everything inside the engine bay and waited for it to dry. I had to replace a bunch of missing bolts from the previous owner doing a half-assed job as well. While I had the motor out, I dropped the pan, pulled the main and rod caps to check bearings, swapped out intakes and painted the engine. With all of that, I had the job completed in a long 12 hour day/night. Now filling all the fluids back up, rerouting some wiring to clean up the p/o hack job and also putting in new motor mounts it took me another 4 or 5 hours to the point where I could fire off the motor and check for leaks. So long story short, if you have more work to do other than just simply swapping motors, I'd plan on a full saturday and sunday, provided you have all parts on hand. If you simply have to swap motors, that can be done inside of an easy day, if your familiar with doing it.

Billett · 11-26-2013, 10:56 AM

I think it depends on the condition of the rest of the truck not just the engine. Once you have the old one out you'll notice a lot of things that could stand to be done and when the engine is out is the easiest time to do them...

We're in the middle of a buick swap that's pretty straightforward, but noticed things like hoses that could be replaced, shocks, painted brackets, etc. Then you have to wait on parts...

72bowtiestepper · 11-26-2013, 10:56 AM

I'd say 2 days also....plan on making at LEAST one extra trip to the auto parts store after you think you have everything on hand for the swap. A extra set of hands will help too, when dropping in the engine & trans. Don't rush...do it right the first time !

Coley · 11-26-2013, 11:42 AM

I'm definitely in agreement with the 2 day 'window' for replacing the motor.
The last time I did this was on a weekend...no problems.
I started on the friday night just as a light duty warm-up....stuff like the battery out, drained the coolant, a few other simple things including starting on (and testing for) a few possibly tough bolts on the exhaust etc. This is maybe a good time to hit a few tough bolts with some liquid wrench overnight...just to make saturday easier.
Made for a fun, easy interesting friday evening, nothing too serious or stressful and I was that much more excited on Saturday to get underway.
Sunday was mostly a start-up morning and tune-up day/afternoon....no worries.
Get a buddy who can hang in there tho' and don't forget to take the odd break and keep with a simple plan that works for everyone.
Under good planning and circumstances its a heck of a fun and interesting event in my opinion.
Oh, and don't forget the beer and pizza on Saturday night!!
All Good
Coley

67ChevyRedneck · 11-26-2013, 12:20 PM

If you know what you're doing, a little paint and clean up, should only take a weekend.

If you're new to all this, not sure how to install an intake, distributor, etc... it may take you a few weekends.

GASoline71 · 11-26-2013, 12:28 PM

Get a couple of buddies to help... get pizza delivered and have some beers on hand. Make it a weekend project.

Gary

TinTop · 11-26-2013, 01:45 PM

My Crate was a long block however, it needed a harmonic balancer, intake manifold, new carburetor, exhaust (headers) all the plumbings (air, coolant) change pulleys, change PS pump and all new mounting hardware as the big block accessories did not fit a 350 except for the motor mounts. Go figure... Thanks Chevy

All in all I had most all ready before I started. A long satisfying weekend.

11-25-2013, 11:31 PM	#1
LSUMurse Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 406	Time it takes to swap a crate engine I'm going to swap in a GM 350 crate into my '68. She currently has a 307 with a Powerglide, P/S (I put in), P/B (I put in), no A/C. I'm thinking it should be a pretty simple yank and drop. About how much time should I plan for this adventure? __________________ It's not that I am apathetic, I just don't care. If your life is a joke, it appears death will be your punchline.

11-26-2013, 12:00 AM	#3
zeldman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Rt 66 Gallup, NM Posts: 527	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine Plan 2 days and dont get in a hurry, take your time and do it right. __________________ 2005 GMC K2500HD D/A 1993 GMC K1500 2011 Subaru Legacy. 2013 Subaru Outback 1970 C-10 2WD, SWB stepside, 292, TH350, PS, more rust than anything. God is my pilot.

11-26-2013, 01:24 AM	#4
Lattimer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mickleton, NJ Posts: 1,776	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine Weekend job with a helper. __________________ Shawn 1970 Chevy C-10 SWB, 350, TKO 600 5 speed My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559881

11-26-2013, 03:01 AM	#5
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine A day (10 hrs) with 2 people. Less if using air tools. __________________ project: "my happy mess"

11-26-2013, 05:06 AM	#6
NC_John Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 1,639	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine Completely depends on the condition of your truck (what state of restoration) and what else you end up doing while you are in there. Cleaning, servicing/rebuilding/painting other components, etc. You changing out the engine mounts? Transmission mounts? Prepare for "scope-creep." My engine freshening was supposed to take 3-4 days. I'm looking at 3-4 weeks now with all the stuff I added to the job. If you busted your @ss and only did the R&R of the engine, one very long day is possible. __________________ 1970 C-10 LWB "Blu" Instagram (current build pictures) 70_nc_c10

11-26-2013, 09:49 AM	#7
TinTop Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 19	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine I just did a BB to SB crate motor swap last weekend. I got the motor out and in in 10 hrs. The next two days were taken dealing with accessory instal. I have air on mine. Do your homework and get all the little things together (mounts, pulleys,hoses set before, and it will go smooth as gravel Attached Images

11-26-2013, 10:48 AM	#8
bbcmudtruck Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: ravenwood, mo Posts: 709	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine Is your crate engine complete and ready to drop in? Or do you need to add all the accessories and such? The questions asked above are going to completely dictate how long it takes. If you are simply going to swap motors, and your new motor is completely ready to go, 6 hours or less. If your going to paint, clean up grease, oil, dirt etc, I'd plan on two 8 hour days. If you have the correct tools, it really doesn't take that much time. About three or four weeks ago I pulled my motor, cleaned up entire engine bay with degreaser and power washed it. Waited for it to dry, painted everything inside the engine bay and waited for it to dry. I had to replace a bunch of missing bolts from the previous owner doing a half-assed job as well. While I had the motor out, I dropped the pan, pulled the main and rod caps to check bearings, swapped out intakes and painted the engine. With all of that, I had the job completed in a long 12 hour day/night. Now filling all the fluids back up, rerouting some wiring to clean up the p/o hack job and also putting in new motor mounts it took me another 4 or 5 hours to the point where I could fire off the motor and check for leaks. So long story short, if you have more work to do other than just simply swapping motors, I'd plan on a full saturday and sunday, provided you have all parts on hand. If you simply have to swap motors, that can be done inside of an easy day, if your familiar with doing it.

11-26-2013, 10:56 AM	#9
Billett Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Pittsgrove, NJ Posts: 1,502	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine I think it depends on the condition of the rest of the truck not just the engine. Once you have the old one out you'll notice a lot of things that could stand to be done and when the engine is out is the easiest time to do them... We're in the middle of a buick swap that's pretty straightforward, but noticed things like hoses that could be replaced, shocks, painted brackets, etc. Then you have to wait on parts... __________________ Will 1968 C10 - Project Texa Go 6.0/4L80e 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3L 2024 Toyota Sienna

11-26-2013, 10:56 AM	#10
72bowtiestepper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 684	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine I'd say 2 days also....plan on making at LEAST one extra trip to the auto parts store after you think you have everything on hand for the swap. A extra set of hands will help too, when dropping in the engine & trans. Don't rush...do it right the first time !

11-26-2013, 11:42 AM	#11
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine I'm definitely in agreement with the 2 day 'window' for replacing the motor. The last time I did this was on a weekend...no problems. I started on the friday night just as a light duty warm-up....stuff like the battery out, drained the coolant, a few other simple things including starting on (and testing for) a few possibly tough bolts on the exhaust etc. This is maybe a good time to hit a few tough bolts with some liquid wrench overnight...just to make saturday easier. Made for a fun, easy interesting friday evening, nothing too serious or stressful and I was that much more excited on Saturday to get underway. Sunday was mostly a start-up morning and tune-up day/afternoon....no worries. Get a buddy who can hang in there tho' and don't forget to take the odd break and keep with a simple plan that works for everyone. Under good planning and circumstances its a heck of a fun and interesting event in my opinion. Oh, and don't forget the beer and pizza on Saturday night!! All Good Coley __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

11-26-2013, 12:20 PM	#12
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine If you know what you're doing, a little paint and clean up, should only take a weekend. If you're new to all this, not sure how to install an intake, distributor, etc... it may take you a few weekends. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

11-26-2013, 01:45 PM	#14
TinTop Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 19	Re: Time it takes to swap a crate engine My Crate was a long block however, it needed a harmonic balancer, intake manifold, new carburetor, exhaust (headers) all the plumbings (air, coolant) change pulleys, change PS pump and all new mounting hardware as the big block accessories did not fit a 350 except for the motor mounts. Go figure... Thanks Chevy All in all I had most all ready before I started. A long satisfying weekend.



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